Patent ID: 8123456

Claim:
A container changing system comprising: a container conveying unit that conveys a container accommodating substrates; a substrate processing apparatus that has at least a first mounting portion on which the container is mounted and a loader module; a buffer chamber that is disposed on the loader module and has an opening portion and a second mounting portion on which the container is mounted; and a container lifting unit that is disposed on said buffer chamber and has a retractable second lifter which lifts up/down the container from the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion; wherein said container conveying unit comprises: a first holder that holds the container so as to lift up/down the container; a carrier that supports the first holder and runs along a rail; and a first lifter that lifts up/down the container between the carrier and the first mounting portion, when the first holder is located opposed to the first mounting portion, wherein the second mounting portion freely moves into and out of a lifting path of the container held by the first holder which is lifted up/down by the first lifter, and the second mounting portion moves the container mounted thereon between the buffer chamber and the lifting path, wherein said container lifting unit comprises: a base portion that freely moves into and out of the lifting path; and a second holder that holds the container and is lifted up/down by the second lifter, and wherein the second lifter is disposed below the base portion, and lifts up/down the container between said buffer chamber and the second mounting portion or between the second mounting portion and the first mounting portion.