JP5512560B2 - Liquid processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid processing apparatus that performs liquid processing such as substrate cleaning processing, etching processing, plating processing, and development processing by supplying a processing liquid to the substrate while rotating the substrate while being held in a horizontal state.

  Conventionally, a substrate cleaning process, an etching process, or a plating process is performed by supplying a processing liquid to the front and back surfaces of the substrate while rotating the substrate such as a semiconductor wafer (hereinafter also referred to as a wafer) in a horizontal state while rotating the substrate. Various types of liquid processing apparatuses that perform liquid processing such as development processing are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a single-wafer type that processes substrates one by one such that a substrate is horizontally held by a spin chuck and rotated, and a processing liquid is supplied to the surface of the substrate held and rotated by the spin chuck. A liquid processing apparatus is disclosed. Further, in such a single wafer type liquid processing apparatus, an FFU (fan filter unit) is provided above the processing chamber, and a gas such as N2 gas (nitrogen gas) or clean air is flowed down from the FFU into the processing chamber. Sending technology is known.

  A configuration of a liquid processing apparatus in which an FFU is provided above the processing chamber will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a conventional liquid processing apparatus, and FIG. 12 is a top view of the conventional liquid processing apparatus shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a conventional liquid processing apparatus 200 includes a processing chamber (chamber) 210 in which a wafer W is accommodated and liquid processing of the accommodated wafer W is performed. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a holding unit 220 for holding and rotating the wafer W is provided in the processing chamber 210, and a cup 230 is disposed around the holding unit 220. ing. In the conventional liquid processing apparatus 200, the nozzle 240 for supplying the processing liquid to the wafer W held by the holding unit 220 from above the cup 230 and the arm 241 that supports the nozzle 240 are provided in the processing chamber 210. Is provided. Further, the arm 241 is provided with an arm support portion 242 extending in a substantially vertical direction, and the arm 241 is supported by the arm support portion 242. The arm support portion 242 can be driven to rotate in both forward and reverse directions by a drive mechanism (not shown). As a result, the arm 241 can rotate in both forward and reverse directions around the arm support portion 242, and the arm 241 is an advanced position for supplying the processing liquid to the wafer W held by the holding portion 220 (see the solid line in FIG. 12). ) And the retracted position retracted from the cup 230 (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 12), the arm support portion 242 is rotated (see the arrow in FIG. 12).

  As shown in FIG. 11, an FFU (fan filter unit) 250 is provided above the processing chamber 210, and a gas such as N 2 gas (nitrogen gas) or clean air is always processed from the FFU 250 in a down flow. It is sent into the chamber 210. An exhaust unit 260 is provided at the bottom of the processing chamber 210, and the exhaust of the atmosphere in the processing chamber 210 is performed by the exhaust unit 260. As described above, a gas such as clean air is sent from the FFU 250 into the processing chamber 210 in a down flow, and the gas in the processing chamber 210 is replaced by exhausting the gas by the exhaust unit 260. ing.

  A specific configuration of an arm (nozzle support arm) that supports the nozzle used in the conventional liquid processing apparatus as described above will be described below. As a nozzle support arm used in a conventional liquid processing apparatus, for example, one disclosed in Patent Document 2 is known. In the liquid processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, a nozzle is attached to the tip of a linearly extending nozzle support arm (oscillation arm), and this nozzle support arm is moved up and down by an up-and-down oscillation mechanism. (See the arrow P2 in FIG. 1 of the cited document 2). Further, a pipe is connected to the nozzle, and the processing liquid is sent to the nozzle through this pipe. Here, the pipe connected to the nozzle extends generally linearly. In some cases, pipes connected to the nozzles may have a one-turn loop formed at the end part (end part far from the nozzles) in order to take the extra length.

JP 2009-94525 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-300301

  However, in a nozzle support arm used in a conventional liquid processing apparatus, when the nozzle support arm is rotated about its longitudinal axis, the pipe connected to the nozzle is generally a straight line. Therefore, there is a problem that the pipe resistance increases. In addition, when a pipe that extends in a straight line or a pipe in which a loop of one rotation is formed at the end portion is used, there is a problem that the space occupied by the pipe becomes large.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such points, and even when the nozzle support arm can be rotated about its longitudinal axis, the pipe resistance in the pipe connected to the nozzle is reduced. It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid processing apparatus that can save space by reducing the space occupied by the pipe.

  The liquid processing apparatus of the present invention includes a substrate holding unit for holding a substrate, a processing chamber in which a cup disposed around the substrate holding unit is provided, and a substrate held by the substrate holding unit. A nozzle for supplying fluid; a nozzle support arm that supports the nozzle and is movable in a horizontal direction between an advanced position that has advanced into the processing chamber and a retracted position that has retracted from the processing chamber; The nozzle support arm is rotatable about a longitudinal axis along the moving direction of the nozzle support arm, and the nozzle support arm has a pipe for sending a fluid to the nozzle. The pipe is made of a flexible material, and the pipe is arranged in a direction in which the nozzle support arm extends at the rear end of the nozzle support arm when the nozzle support arm is in the retracted position. Characterized in that it is configured to be spiral shape on interlinking plane.

  According to such a liquid processing apparatus, as a pipe provided in the nozzle support arm, when the nozzle support arm is in the retracted position, the rear end portion of the nozzle support arm is on a plane orthogonal to the extending direction of the nozzle support arm. Even when the nozzle support arm can be rotated around its longitudinal axis, the pipe resistance in the pipe connected to the nozzle can be reduced, Further, space saving can be achieved by reducing the space occupied by the pipe.

  In the liquid processing apparatus of the present invention, a rotating mechanism that is provided adjacent to the processing chamber and further includes an arm standby unit for waiting for the nozzle support arm retracted from the processing chamber to rotate the nozzle support arm. May be provided in the arm standby section.

  At this time, the arm standby unit may be provided with an arm drive mechanism that moves the nozzle support arm between the processing chamber and the arm standby unit.

  Further, the nozzle support arm may be configured to perform a straight movement between the processing chamber and the arm standby unit.

  In the liquid processing apparatus of the present invention, when the fluid is supplied to the substrate held by the substrate holding unit by the nozzle, the nozzle support arm that supports the nozzle is selectively centered on the longitudinal axis. It may come to rotate as.

  At this time, when the fluid is supplied from the nozzle to the substrate held by the substrate holding unit, the nozzle is positioned at the center of the substrate and the nozzle is positioned at the peripheral edge of the substrate. The direction of the nozzle may be changed.

  In the liquid processing apparatus of the present invention, when the nozzle support arm moves in the processing chamber, the nozzle support arm rotates about the longitudinal axis so that the nozzle is oriented in a direction other than downward in the processing chamber. You may come to do.

  A plurality of the nozzle support arms may be provided, and at least one nozzle support arm may have a height level different from that of the other nozzle support arms.

  According to the liquid processing apparatus of the present invention, even when the nozzle support arm can be rotated about its longitudinal axis, the pipe resistance in the pipe connected to the nozzle can be reduced and occupied by this pipe. Space can be saved by reducing the space.

It is the top view which looked at the liquid processing system containing the liquid processing apparatus by embodiment of this invention from upper direction. It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the liquid processing apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the liquid processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the detail of a structure of the liquid processing apparatus shown in FIG. 2, Comprising: It is a figure which shows a state when a cup outer periphery cylinder exists in a downward position. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the detail of a structure of the liquid processing apparatus shown in FIG. 2, Comprising: It is a figure which shows a state when a cup outer periphery cylinder exists in an upper position. (A) is an expanded longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the holding member provided in the holding plate in the liquid processing apparatus shown in FIG. 4 etc., (b) is a lift pin plate below from the state shown in (a). It is an expanded longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state when it moves, (c) is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows a state when a lift pin plate moves further below from the state shown in (b). It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the cup outer periphery cylinder in the liquid processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the process chamber and six nozzle support arms in the liquid processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the nozzle support arm shown in FIG. 7. It is a figure which shows a structure when each nozzle support arm shown in FIG. 7 etc. is seen toward the process chamber from the back of these nozzle support arms. It is a sectional side view which shows the detail of a structure of the nozzle support arm shown in FIG. It is a side view which shows the schematic structure of the conventional liquid processing apparatus. It is a top view of the conventional liquid processing apparatus shown in FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 10 are diagrams showing a liquid processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 1 is a top view of a liquid processing system including a liquid processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of the liquid processing apparatus shown in FIG. . 4 and 5 are longitudinal sectional views showing details of the configuration of the liquid processing apparatus shown in FIG. 6A is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of a holding member provided on a holding plate in the liquid processing apparatus shown in FIG. 4 and the like, and FIG. 6B is a cup outer peripheral cylinder in the liquid processing apparatus shown in FIG. 4 and the like. It is a perspective view which shows the structure. 7 to 10 are diagrams showing the configuration of the nozzle support arm provided in the liquid processing apparatus shown in FIG.

  First, a liquid processing system including a liquid processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, a liquid processing system includes a mounting table 101 for mounting a carrier containing a substrate W (hereinafter also referred to as a wafer W) such as a semiconductor wafer as a substrate to be processed, and a carrier. A transfer arm 102 for taking out the accommodated wafer W, a shelf unit 103 for placing the wafer W taken out by the transfer arm 102, a wafer W placed on the shelf unit 103 are received, and the wafer W And a transport arm 104 for transporting the liquid into the liquid processing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid processing system is provided with a plurality (four in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1) of liquid processing apparatuses 10.

  Next, a schematic configuration of the liquid processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the liquid processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a processing chamber (chamber) 20 in which a wafer W is accommodated and liquid processing of the accommodated wafer W is performed. As shown in FIG. 3, a holding unit 21 for holding and rotating the wafer W in a horizontal state is provided in the processing chamber 20, and a ring-shaped rotary cup 40 is provided around the holding unit 21. Is arranged. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a cylindrical cup outer cylinder 50 is disposed around the rotary cup 40 in the processing chamber 20. As will be described later, the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 can be raised and lowered according to the processing state of the wafer W. Details of the configurations of the holding portion 21, the rotating cup 40, and the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 will be described later.

  Further, the liquid processing apparatus 10 includes a nozzle 82a for supplying a processing liquid and a fluid such as N 2 gas from above the wafer W to the wafer W held by the holding unit 21, and a nozzle support for supporting the nozzle 82a. An arm 82 is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of (specifically, for example, six) nozzle support arms 82 are provided in one liquid processing apparatus 10, and a nozzle 82 a is provided at the tip of each nozzle support arm 82. Yes. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, each nozzle support arm 82 is provided with an arm support portion 84, and each arm support portion 84 is driven in the left-right direction in FIG. 3 by an arm drive mechanism 85 described later. It has become. As a result, each nozzle support arm 82 linearly moves in a horizontal direction between the advanced position where the nozzle 82a has advanced into the processing chamber 20 and the retracted position where the nozzle 82a has retracted from the processing chamber 20. (See the arrows provided on each nozzle support arm 82 in FIGS. 2 and 3). As shown in FIG. 3, each nozzle support arm 82 is provided with a surface treatment liquid supply pipe 82 m, and each surface treatment liquid supply pipe 82 m is connected to a surface treatment liquid supply part 89. A fluid such as a treatment liquid or N 2 gas is supplied from the surface treatment liquid supply unit 89 to the nozzles 82a of the nozzle support arms 82 via the respective surface treatment liquid supply pipes 82m.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the liquid processing apparatus 10, an arm standby unit 80 is provided adjacent to the processing chamber 20. In this arm standby section 80, the nozzle support arm 82 retracted from the processing chamber 20 is on standby. A wall 90 extending in the vertical direction is provided between the arm standby unit 80 and the processing chamber 20. The wall 90 has an arm cleaning portion 88 provided with an opening 88p through which each nozzle support arm 82 can pass. The nozzle cleaning arm 82 is cleaned by the arm cleaning unit 88. Details of the configuration of the arm cleaning unit 88 will be described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, an FFU (fan filter unit) 70 is provided above the processing chamber 20, and a gas such as N 2 gas (nitrogen gas) or clean air is flowed down from the FFU 70 in the processing chamber. 20 to be sent. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an exhaust portion 54 is provided inside the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 at the bottom of the processing chamber 20, and the exhaust portion 54 exhausts the atmosphere in the processing chamber 20. It has come to be. As described above, a gas such as clean air is sent from the FFU 70 into the processing chamber 20 in a down flow, and the gas in the processing chamber 20 is replaced by exhausting the gas by the exhaust unit 54. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an exhaust portion 56 is provided outside the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 at the bottom of the processing chamber 20, and the exhaust portion 56 exhausts the atmosphere in the processing chamber 20. It has come to be. The exhaust part 56 can exhaust the atmosphere outside the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 in the processing chamber 20. Specifically, the exhaust unit 56 prevents the atmosphere in the arm standby unit 80 from entering the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50. Further, the exhaust part 56 prevents the atmosphere in the cup outer cylinder 50 from coming out to the arm standby part 80.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an exhaust unit 58 is provided at the bottom of the arm standby unit 80, and the atmosphere in the arm standby unit 80 is exhausted by the exhaust unit 58. Yes. Specifically, particles generated from an arm drive mechanism 85 (described later) for driving each nozzle support arm 82 can be drawn by the exhaust unit 58.

  As shown in FIG. 2, shutters 60 and 62 for maintenance are provided at the processing chamber 20 of the liquid processing apparatus 10 and the entrance / exit of the arm standby unit 80, respectively. Since the processing chamber 20 and the arm standby unit 80 are provided with maintenance shutters 60 and 62, respectively, the devices in the process chamber 20 and the arm standby unit 80 can be individually maintained. In addition, while the wafer W is being processed in the processing chamber 20, it is possible to maintain the equipment in the arm standby unit 80 by opening the shutter 62.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, an opening 94 a is provided on the side wall of the liquid processing apparatus 10 for carrying the wafer W into the processing chamber 20 by the transfer arm 104 and carrying the wafer W out of the processing chamber 20. The opening 94a is provided with a shutter 94 for opening and closing the opening 94a.

  In the liquid processing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2, the region inside the cup outer cylinder 50 in the processing chamber 20 is slightly positive with respect to the clean room, while the cup outer cylinder 50 in the processing chamber 20 is The outer area has a slight negative pressure against the clean room. For this reason, in the processing chamber 20, the air pressure in the region inside the cup outer peripheral tube 50 is larger than the air pressure in the region outside the cup outer peripheral tube 50.

  Next, details of the configuration of the liquid processing apparatus 10 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the holding unit 21 includes a disk-shaped holding plate 26 for holding the wafer W, and a disk-shaped lift pin plate 22 provided above the holding plate 26. ing. Three lift pins 23 for supporting the wafer W from below are provided on the upper surface of the lift pin plate 22 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In FIGS. 4 and 5, only two lift pins 23 are shown. The lift pin plate 22 is provided with a piston mechanism 24, and the lift pin plate 22 is moved up and down by the piston mechanism 24. More specifically, when the wafer W is placed on the lift pins 23 or taken out from the lift pins 23 by the transfer arm 104 (see FIG. 1), the lift pin plate 22 is moved to the position shown in FIG. The lift pin plate 22 is moved upward from a position as shown, and the lift pin plate 22 is positioned above the rotary cup 40. On the other hand, when liquid processing of the wafer W is performed in the processing chamber 20, the lift pin plate 22 is moved to a lower position as shown in FIG. 4 etc. by the piston mechanism 24, and the rotary cup 40 is positioned around the wafer W. To come.

  The holding plate 26 is provided with three holding members 25 for supporting the wafer W from the side at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In FIGS. 4 and 5, only two holding members 25 are shown. Each holding member 25 supports the wafer W on the lift pins 23 when the lift pin plate 22 is moved from the upper position to the lower position as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the wafer W is slightly separated from the lift pins 23. It is supposed to let you.

  The configuration of the lift pin plate 22 and the holding plate 26 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6A. In FIG. 6A, (a) is a figure which shows the state in the middle of the lift pin plate 22 moving to the downward position as shown in FIG. 4 etc. from an upper position, (b) is from the state shown to (a). It is a figure which shows a state when the lift pin plate 22 moves below, (c) is a state where the lift pin plate 22 moves further downward from the state shown in (b), and the lift pin plate 22 is as shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows a state when reaching a downward position.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the holding member 25 is pivotally supported by the holding plate 26 via a shaft 25a. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, a bearing portion 26a is attached to the holding plate 26, and the shaft 25a is received in a bearing hole 26b provided in the bearing portion 26a. The bearing hole 26b is an elongated hole extending in the horizontal direction, and the shaft 25a of the holding member 25 can move in the horizontal direction along the bearing hole 26b. In this way, the holding member 25 can swing around the shaft 25a received in the bearing hole 26b of the bearing portion 26a.

  A spring member 25 d such as a torsion spring is wound around the shaft 25 a of the holding member 25. The spring member 25d biases the holding member 25 with a force that rotates the holding member 25 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 6A about the shaft 25a. Accordingly, when no force is applied to the holding member 25, the holding member 25 is inclined with respect to the holding plate 26, and the support portion 25b for supporting the wafer W on the holding member 25 from the side. (Described later) is in a state of being away from the center of the holding plate 26.

  A linear portion extends from the spring member 25d wound around the shaft 25a. The linear portion is locked to the inner wall surface 26c of the bearing portion 26a, and the shaft 25a is centered on the holding plate 26. Push it back. Thus, the shaft 25a is constantly pressed toward the center of the holding plate 26 (that is, toward the left in FIG. 6A) by the linear portion of the spring member 25d. Therefore, when the wafer W having a relatively small diameter is held by the holding member 25, the shaft 25a is positioned near the center of the holding plate 26 in the bearing hole 26b (ie, FIG. 6A), as shown in FIG. 6A. Position on the left side). On the other hand, when the wafer W having a relatively large diameter is supported by the holding member 25, the shaft 25a moves from the position shown in FIG. 6A along the bearing hole 26b against the force of the linear portion of the spring member 25d. Move to the right. Here, the size of the diameter of the wafer W means the size of the diameter of the wafer W within an allowable dimensional error.

  The holding member 25 includes a support portion 25b that supports the wafer W from the side, and a pressed member 25c provided on the opposite side of the support portion 25b with respect to the shaft 25a. The pressed member 25c is provided between the lift pin plate 22 and the holding plate 26. The pressed member 25c is provided when the lift pin plate 22 is at the lower position or the vicinity thereof as shown in FIG. 6A. It is pressed downward by the lower surface of the lift pin plate 22.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when the lift pin plate 22 moves from the upper position to the lower position, the holding member 25 is centered on the shaft 25a by the pressed member 25c being pressed downward by the lower surface of the lift pin plate 22. As shown in FIG. 6A in the counterclockwise direction (arrow direction in FIG. 6A). Then, the holding member 25 rotates about the shaft 25a, so that the support portion 25b moves toward the wafer W from the side of the wafer W. Thus, when the lift pin plate 22 reaches the lower position, the wafer W is supported from the side by the holding member 25 as shown in FIG. 6A (c). Here, as shown in FIG. 6A (c), when the wafer W is supported from the side by the holding member 25, the wafer W is separated upward from the tip of the lift pin 23 and floats upward from the lift pin 23. It becomes a state. Further, as described above, depending on the size of the wafer W, the shaft 25a may move rightward from the position shown in FIG. 6A along the bearing hole 26b against the force of the linear portion of the spring member 25d. is there. For this reason, even when a relatively large wafer W is supported by the holding member 25, the holding member 25 can move in the horizontal direction, so that the wafer W is not deformed or damaged. W can be supported from the side.

  Further, through holes are formed in the center portions of the lift pin plate 22 and the holding plate 26, respectively, and a processing liquid supply pipe 28 is provided so as to pass through these through holes. The processing liquid supply pipe 28 supplies a processing liquid such as a chemical liquid or pure water to the back surface of the wafer W held by each holding member 25 of the holding plate 26. Further, the processing liquid supply pipe 28 moves up and down in conjunction with the lift pin plate 22. A head portion 28 a is provided at the upper end of the processing liquid supply pipe 28 so as to close the through hole of the lift pin plate 22. Further, as shown in FIG. 4 and the like, a processing liquid supply unit 29 is connected to the processing liquid supply pipe 28, and the processing liquid is supplied to the processing liquid supply pipe 28 by the processing liquid supply unit 29. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a ring-shaped rotating cup 40 is disposed around the holding portion 21. The rotating cup 40 is attached to the holding plate 26 and rotates integrally with the holding plate 26. More specifically, the rotary cup 40 is provided so as to surround the wafer W supported by the holding members 25 of the holding plate 26 from the side. It is designed to receive the processing liquid that is scattered.

  In addition, a drain cup 42, a first guide cup 43, a second guide cup 44, and a third guide cup 45 are provided around the rotary cup 40 from the top. The drain cup 42 and the guide cups 43, 44, 45 are each formed in a ring shape. Here, the drain cup 42 is fixed in the processing chamber 20. On the other hand, a lift cylinder (not shown) is connected to each guide cup 43, 44, 45, and these guide cups 43, 44, 45 can be raised and lowered independently of each other by the corresponding lift cylinder. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, below the drain cup 42 and the guide cups 43, 44, 45, there are a first processing liquid recovery tank 46a, a second processing liquid recovery tank 46b, and a third processing liquid recovery. Tank 46c and a fourth processing liquid recovery tank 46d are provided. Depending on the position of each guide cup 43, 44, 45 in the vertical direction, when the wafer W is subjected to the liquid processing, the processing liquid scattered laterally from the wafer W is divided into four types based on the type of the processing liquid. The liquid is selectively sent to any one of the processing liquid recovery tanks 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d. Specifically, when all the guide cups 43, 44, and 45 are all in the upper position (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5), the processing liquid splashed laterally from the wafer W is recovered as the fourth processing liquid. It is sent to the tank 46d. On the other hand, when only the third guide cup 45 is in the lower position, the processing liquid scattered laterally from the wafer W is sent to the third processing liquid recovery tank 46c. Further, when the second guide cup 44 and the third guide cup 45 are in the lower position, the processing liquid splashed laterally from the wafer W is sent to the second processing liquid recovery tank 46b. Further, when all the guide cups 43, 44, 45 are in the lower position, the processing liquid splashed laterally from the wafer W is sent to the first processing liquid recovery tank 46a.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an exhaust part 48 is provided inside the fourth processing liquid recovery tank 46d. The atmosphere around the wafer W is exhausted by the exhaust unit 48 by setting the position of each guide cup 43, 44, 45 in the vertical direction to a predetermined position.

  Further, in the liquid processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 is provided around the drain cup 42 and the guide cups 43, 44, 45 in the processing chamber 20. The cup outer cylinder 50 can be moved up and down between a lower position as shown in FIG. 4 and an upper position as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 is provided with an opening 50 m through which the nozzle support arm 82 can pass. When the cup outer cylinder 50 is in the upper position as shown in FIG. 5, the region in the cup outer cylinder 50 is isolated from the outside.

  Details of the configuration of the cup outer cylinder 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 6B. FIG. 6B is a perspective view showing the configuration of the cup outer cylinder 50. As shown in FIG. 6B, openings 50m through which the nozzle support arms 82 can pass are provided on the side surface of the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 in accordance with the number of nozzle support arms 82 (for example, six nozzle support arms 82 are provided). In this case, six openings 50m are provided). Further, a support member 50a for supporting the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 is connected to the upper part of the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50, and a driving mechanism 50b for moving the support member 50a up and down is provided on the support member 50a. . And by raising / lowering the supporting member 50a by the drive mechanism 50b, the cup outer periphery cylinder 50 supported by this supporting member 50a is also raised / lowered.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a guide member 51 is attached to the FFU 70. As shown in FIG. 5, the guide member 51 is disposed so as to be slightly spaced inward from the cup outer peripheral tube 50 when the cup outer peripheral tube 50 is in the upper position. Further, in the liquid processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, when the cup outer peripheral tube 50 is in the upper position as shown in FIG. 5, the air pressure in the cup outer peripheral tube 50 is larger than the air pressure outside the cup outer peripheral tube 50. It is supposed to be. For this reason, when the cup outer cylinder 50 is in the upper position, the downflow gas in the processing chamber 20 generated by the FFU 70 is moved from the inner side to the outer side of the cup outer cylinder 50 near the upper end of the cup outer cylinder 50 by the guide member 51. Guided.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a cleaning unit 52 for cleaning the cup outer cylinder 50 is provided in the processing chamber 20. The cleaning portion 52 has a storage portion 52a for storing a cleaning liquid such as pure water. When the cup outer peripheral tube 50 is in the lower position as shown in FIG. It is immersed in the cleaning liquid stored in 52a. The cleaning unit 52 is configured to clean the cup outer cylinder 50 by immersing the cup outer cylinder 50 in the cleaning liquid stored in the storage portion 52a. As the cleaning liquid stored in the storage part 52a, for example, pure water at room temperature or higher, preferably 40 ° C. or higher, more preferably 60 ° C. or higher is used. When the temperature of the cleaning liquid stored in the storage portion 52a is high, the cleaning effect on the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 is further increased.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the cup outer cylinder 50 is in the lower position, most of the cup outer cylinder 50 is immersed in the cleaning liquid stored in the storage portion 52a. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, even when the cup outer cylinder 50 is in the upper position, the lower part of the cup outer cylinder 50 is immersed in the cleaning liquid stored in the storage portion 52a. For this reason, when the cup outer cylinder 50 is in the upper position, a water seal is provided between the cleaning liquid stored in the storage portion 52a and the lower part of the cup outer cylinder 50, and the upper part of the cup outer cylinder 50 and the guide member 51 Since the gap is narrowed, the region in the cup outer cylinder 50 can be isolated from the outside.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the processing chamber 20, an exhaust portion 54 for exhausting the atmosphere in the processing chamber 20 is provided inside the cleaning portion 52, and the cleaning portion An exhaust unit 56 for exhausting the atmosphere in the processing chamber 20 is provided outside the chamber 52. By providing the exhaust part 54 and the exhaust part 56 as described above, when the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 is at the lower position as shown in FIG. 4, the exhaust part 54 and the exhaust part 56 allow the entire inside of the processing chamber 20. The atmosphere can be exhausted. On the other hand, when the cup outer cylinder 50 is in the upper position as shown in FIG. 5, since the region in the cup outer cylinder 50 is isolated from the outside, the exhaust portion 54 exhausts the atmosphere inside the cup outer cylinder 50. In addition, the exhaust portion 56 can exhaust the atmosphere outside the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of (specifically, for example, six) nozzle support arms 82 are provided in one liquid processing apparatus 10, and a nozzle 82 a is provided at the tip of each nozzle support arm 82. Is provided. Specifically, each nozzle 82a includes a first chemical liquid (specifically, for example, an acidic chemical liquid), a second chemical liquid (specifically, for example, an alkaline chemical liquid), pure water, N 2 gas, A mist of IPA (isopropyl alcohol) and pure water is supplied to the upper surface of the wafer W.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the nozzle support arm 82 in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the processing chamber 20 and the six nozzle support arms 82p to 82u in the liquid processing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 and the like, and FIG. 8 shows the nozzle support arms 82p to 82p shown in FIG. It is an expansion perspective view of 82u. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of the nozzle support arms 82p to 82u shown in FIG. 7 and the like when viewed from the rear of the nozzle support arms 82p to 82u toward the processing chamber 20. FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing details of the configuration of each nozzle support arm 82p to 82u shown in FIG. 7 and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the six nozzle support arms 82 include, for example, a pure water supply arm 82p, a first chemical solution supply arm 82q, an N2 gas supply arm 82r, a second chemical solution supply arm 82s, and pure water. Mist supply arm 82t and IPA supply arm 82u. As described above, the nozzles 82a are provided at the tips of these arms 82p to 82u. In this way, pure water is supplied to the upper surface of the wafer W from the nozzle 82a provided at the tip of the pure water supply arm 82p, and from the nozzle 82a provided at the tip of the first chemical solution supply arm 82q. A first chemical solution (specifically, for example, an acidic chemical solution) is supplied to the upper surface of the wafer W, and N2 gas is supplied to the upper surface of the wafer from a nozzle 82a provided at the tip of the N2 gas supply arm 82r. It is like that. A second chemical solution (specifically, for example, an alkaline chemical solution) is supplied to the upper surface of the wafer W from a nozzle 82a provided at the tip of the second chemical solution supply arm 82s, and is used for supplying pure water mist. Pure water mist is supplied to the upper surface of the wafer W from the nozzle 82a provided at the tip of the arm 82t, and IPA is supplied to the upper surface of the wafer W from the nozzle 82a provided at the tip of the IPA supply arm 82u. It is like that.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, each nozzle support arm 82 is provided with an arm drive mechanism 85 for causing the nozzle support arm 82 to linearly move. The arm drive mechanism 85 includes a motor 85a attached to the base member 85d and rotating in both forward and reverse directions, a pulley 85b attached to the base member 85d so as to face the motor 85a, and a circulation wound around the motor 85a and the pulley 85b. A belt 85c and a belt attachment member 85e attached to the circulation belt 85c are provided. Here, the belt attachment member 85e is attached to the lower part of the arm support part 84 which supports the nozzle support arm 82, and the belt attachment member 85e and the arm support part 84 move integrally. In such an arm drive mechanism 85, when the motor 85a rotates, the circulation belt 85c moves in the right direction or left direction in FIG. 10, and the belt attachment member 85e attached to the circulation belt 85c in FIG. By moving in the right direction or the left direction, the arm support portion 84 moves straight in the left-right direction in FIG. In this manner, the nozzle support arm 82 supported by the arm support portion 84 also moves straight in the left-right direction in FIG.

  In the liquid processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, because the arm driving mechanism 85 is provided outside the processing chamber 20, dust generated from the arm driving mechanism 85 enters the processing chamber 20. Can be suppressed. In addition, it is possible to suppress the atmosphere in the processing chamber 20 from reaching the arm driving mechanism 85.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 9, among the six arms 82p to 82u described above, the pure water supply arm 82p, the N2 gas supply arm 82r, and the pure water mist supply arm 82t are installed at the same height level. ing. More specifically, in FIG. 9, these arms 82p, 82r, and 82t are installed at the height level of the region surrounded by the two-dot chain line A in FIG. On the other hand, among the six arms 82p to 82u described above, the first chemical solution supply arm 82q, the second chemical solution supply arm 82s, and the IPA supply arm 82u are also installed at the same height level. More specifically, in FIG. 9, these arms 82q, 82s, and 82u are installed at the height level of the region surrounded by the two-dot chain line B in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the pure water supply arm 82p, the N 2 gas supply arm 82r, and the pure water mist supply arm 82t are respectively a first chemical liquid supply arm 82q and a second chemical liquid supply arm. It is installed at a position higher than the arm 82s and the IPA supply arm 82u.

  Further, in the liquid processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of arms 82p to 82u having different height levels advance into the processing chamber 20 at the same time, the arms do not collide or interfere with each other.

  In the liquid processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, when performing the drying process of the wafer W, the IPA is supplied to the wafer W held by the holding unit 21 in the processing chamber 20, and then the IPA on the wafer W is changed. N2 gas is supplied to the supplied location. In such a case, the N 2 gas supply arm 82r and the IPA supply arm 82u advance into the processing chamber 20 at the same time. Here, as described above, the N2 gas supply arm 82r and the IPA supply arm 82u have different height levels. More specifically, the N2 gas supply arm 82r is installed at the height level of the region surrounded by the two-dot chain line A in FIG. 9, whereas the IPA supply arm 82u is shown by the two-dot chain line B in FIG. It is installed at the height level of the enclosed area.

  In the processing chamber 20, N2 is ejected from the nozzle 82a provided on the N2 gas supply arm 82r to the region on the wafer W where IPA is ejected from the nozzle 82a provided on the IPA supply arm 82u. The IPA supply arm 82u and the N 2 gas supply arm 82r are moved in the processing chamber 20 so that the region on the wafer W to be followed follows. At this time, since the N2 gas supply arm 82r and the IPA supply arm 82u have different height levels, the arms 82r and 82u do not interfere with each other. In this way, after IPA is supplied to the wafer W from the nozzle 82a provided in the IPA supply arm 82u that has advanced into the processing chamber 20, the processing chamber is supplied to the portion of the wafer W to which IPA is supplied. The N2 gas can be supplied from the nozzle 82a provided in the N2 gas supply arm 82r that has advanced into the nozzle 20.

  As another example, when the wafer W is processed with an acidic or alkaline chemical solution, the chemical solution is supplied to the wafer W held by the holding unit 21 in the processing chamber 20 without interruption. Subsequently, pure water is supplied to the wafer W to perform a rinsing process. In such a case, the first chemical solution supply arm 82q (or the second chemical solution supply arm 82s) and the pure water supply arm 82p simultaneously advance into the processing chamber 20. Here, as described above, the pure water supply arm 82p and the first chemical liquid supply arm 82q (or the second chemical liquid supply arm 82s) have different height levels. More specifically, the pure water supply arm 82p is installed at the height level of the region surrounded by the two-dot chain line A in FIG. 9, while the first chemical solution supply arm 82q (or the second chemical solution). The supply arm 82s) is installed at a height level in a region surrounded by a two-dot chain line B in FIG.

  Then, in the processing chamber 20, the pure water supply arm 82 p and the second water supply arm 82 p and the second water supply so that the pure water is continuously supplied to the wafer W without interruption after the chemical liquid is supplied to the wafer W held by the holding unit 21. One chemical solution supply arm 82q (or second chemical solution supply arm 82s) is moved in the processing chamber 20. At this time, since the pure water supply arm 82p and the first chemical liquid supply arm 82q (or the second chemical liquid supply arm 82s) have different height levels, these arms 82p, 82q are different from each other. (Or arms 82p, 82s) do not interfere with each other. In this way, after supplying the chemical solution to the wafer W from the nozzle 82a provided in the first chemical solution supply arm 82q (or the second chemical solution supply arm 82s) that has advanced into the processing chamber 20, the processing is performed. The pure water can be continuously supplied from the nozzle 82a provided in the pure water supply arm 82p that has advanced into the chamber 20 without being interrupted to perform the rinsing process.

  As shown in FIG. 10, each arm 82p-82u has a double piping structure. In more detail, each arm 82p-82u is comprised from the internal piping 82b and the external piping 82c. The internal pipe 82b communicates with the nozzle 82a, and fluid is sent from the internal pipe 82b to the nozzle 82a. The internal pipe 82b is made of, for example, a fluorine resin. The internal pipe 82b is covered with an external pipe 82c, and the external pipe 82c is made of, for example, a stainless steel pipe coated with a fluorine resin.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, etc., spiral pipes 83p to 83u communicating with the internal pipes 82b are provided outside the arms 82p to 82u on the rear end sides of the arms 82p to 82u, respectively. It has been. Each spiral pipe 83p-83u is formed from a flexible material. Specifically, each of the spiral-shaped pipes 83p to 83u is formed of, for example, a tube made of fluorine resin or the like bent into a spiral shape. As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 10, the spiral-shaped pipes 83 p to 83 u each have a plane orthogonal to the extending direction of the arms 82 p to 82 u when the corresponding arms 82 p to 82 u are in the retracted position ( That is, a spiral shape is formed on a plane extending in the vertical direction. Then, when a fluid such as a chemical solution is sent to each of the spiral pipes 83p to 83u, the fluid is jetted downward from the nozzle 82a via the internal pipe 82b provided inside each arm 82p to 82u. Yes. Moreover, since each spiral-shaped piping 83p-83u is formed from the flexible material, when the corresponding arm 82p-82u advances into the process chamber 20, spiral-shaped piping 83p-83u is shown in FIG. By deforming from such a spiral shape, it becomes a conical spiral shape (a spiral shape whose tip gradually narrows).

  Moreover, in the liquid processing apparatus 10 of this Embodiment, each arm 82p-82u can rotate centering | focusing on the longitudinal direction axis | shaft along the moving direction of the said arms 82p-82u. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, each arm 82p to 82u is provided with a rotation mechanism 86, and the arm 82p to 82u is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. ing. By rotating the arms 82p to 82u, the direction of the nozzle 82a can be changed from the downward direction as shown in FIG. 10 to another direction. In addition, since each of the spiral-shaped pipes 83p to 83u has a spiral shape and is formed of a flexible material, even if each of the arms 82p to 82u is rotated by the rotation mechanism 86, the corresponding spiral-shaped pipe 83p. ˜83u is smoothly deformed in accordance with the rotation of the arms 82p to 82u, and the rotation of the arms 82p to 82u is not hindered by the spiral pipes 83p to 83u.

  The rotation mechanism 86 selectively rotates the arms 82p to 82u supporting the nozzle 82a about the longitudinal axis when supplying the fluid to the wafer W held by the holding unit 21 by the nozzle 82a. It has become. Specifically, when the nozzle 82a approaches the peripheral portion of the wafer W held by the holding unit 21, the arms 82p to 82u rotate so that the direction of the nozzle 82a is inclined obliquely from the downward direction. As a result, fluid is ejected obliquely downward from the nozzle 82a at the peripheral edge of the wafer W held by the holding unit 21, so that the fluid supplied from the nozzle 82a to the wafer W, specifically, a chemical solution, etc. With respect to the liquid, liquid splash on the peripheral edge of the wafer W can be suppressed. As described above, the rotation mechanism 86 can change the direction of the nozzle 82a between the case where the nozzle 82a is located at the center of the wafer W and the case where the nozzle 82a is located at the peripheral edge of the wafer W. .

  Further, the rotation mechanism 86 is centered on the longitudinal axis so that the nozzle 82a is oriented in a direction other than downward, specifically, for example, upward when each of the arms 82p to 82u moves between the advanced position and the retracted position. As a result, the arms 82p to 82u are rotated. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent liquid such as a chemical from dropping from the nozzle 82a when the arms 82p to 82u are moved.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, each arm 82p to 82u is provided with an arm cleaning section 88 for cleaning the arms 82p to 82u in a fixed position for each arm 82p to 82u. . Each arm cleaning unit 88 is configured to clean the arms 82p to 82u when the corresponding arms 82p to 82u move. The timing of cleaning the arms 82p to 82u by the arm cleaning section 88 can be set freely. Specifically, the cleaning of the arms 82p to 82u is performed, for example, for each process or for one day. Once a month or once a month.

  Details of the configuration of the arm cleaning unit 88 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the arm cleaning section 88 is provided with a through hole through which the nozzle support arm 82 (82p to 82u) passes so as to extend in the horizontal direction (left and right direction in FIG. 10). The cross section of the through hole is slightly larger than the cross section of the nozzle support arm 82. The through hole is provided with a storage portion 88a for storing the cleaning liquid. Further, a cleaning liquid supply pipe 88b is connected to the storage portion 88a, and the cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply pipe 88b to the storage portion 88a. When the cleaning liquid is supplied to the storage portion 88a, a liquid film is stretched on the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle support arm 82 in the storage portion 88a. In the arm cleaning unit 88, the nozzle support arm 82 moves while the nozzle support arm 82 (82p to 82u) is in contact with a part of the cleaning liquid stored in the storage portion 88a, so that the nozzle support arm 82 is cleaned. To be done.

  Further, in the arm cleaning unit 88, the nozzle support arm 82 is moved in the moving direction (left and right direction in FIG. 10) at a front position closer to the processing chamber 20 than the storage portion 88a and a rear position farther from the processing chamber 20 than the storage portion 88a. Suction mechanisms 88c and 88d are provided, respectively. These suction mechanisms 88c and 88d are adapted to suck and drain the amount of the cleaning liquid leaked when the cleaning liquid stored in the storage portion 88a leaks from the storage portion 88a to the outside. The suction mechanism is not necessarily provided at both the front position and the rear position with respect to the accommodating portion 88a in the moving direction of the nozzle support arm 82. Instead, the suction mechanism is located in front of the accommodating portion 88a in the moving direction of the nozzle support arm 82. The suction mechanism may be provided only in one of the position and the rear position.

  Further, the suction mechanisms 88c and 88d are configured to dry the nozzle support arm 82 by sucking the droplets attached to the nozzle support arm 82 after the nozzle support arm 82 has been cleaned.

  Further, in the arm cleaning unit 88, a drainage portion 88e for discharging a liquid such as a chemical solution remaining in the internal pipe 82b of the nozzle support arm 82 at a position behind the housing portion 88a in the moving direction of the nozzle support arm 82. Is provided. In addition, a drain pipe 88f is connected to the drainage portion 88e, and the liquid sent to the drainage portion 88e is discharged by the drain pipe 88f. Then, the nozzle support arm 82 moves so that the nozzle 82a is positioned directly above the drainage portion 88e, and liquid such as a chemical solution remaining in the internal pipe 82b of the nozzle support arm 82 is discharged from the nozzle 82a to the drainage portion 88e. It has come to be. By providing such a drainage portion 88e, even if liquid remains in the internal pipe 82b of the nozzle support arm 82 after the liquid processing of the wafer W is completed, the nozzle support arm 82 is provided with the liquid discharge portion 88e. When performing the next liquid treatment using the provided nozzle 82a, the liquid remaining in the internal pipe 82b can be discharged from the internal pipe 82b in advance. In particular, when a high-temperature chemical solution or the like is supplied to the wafer W from the nozzle 82a, the liquid remaining in the internal pipe 82b of the nozzle support arm 82 is often cooled, so that the remaining cooled liquid is discharged. It is desirable to discharge from the internal pipe 82b in advance by the liquid portion 88e.

  In addition, the drainage part 88e may be provided in the position ahead rather than the accommodating part 88a rather than the back position rather than the accommodating part 88a in the moving direction of the nozzle support arm 82. Even in this case, the nozzle support arm 82 moves so that the nozzle 82a is located immediately above the drainage portion 88e, and the chemical liquid remaining in the internal pipe 82b of the nozzle support arm 82 is discharged by discharging the chemical liquid from the nozzle 82a. The liquid is sent from the nozzle 82a to the drainage portion 88e.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, each arm cleaning unit 88 corresponding to each arm 82 p to 82 u is attached to the outside of the wall 90 provided between the processing chamber 20 and the arm standby unit 80. ing. For this reason, each arm washing | cleaning part 88 comes to be provided in the outer side of the cup outer periphery cylinder 50. FIG. Each arm cleaning unit 88 may be attached to the inside of the wall 90 instead of being attached to the outside of the wall 90. In this case, each arm cleaning unit 88 is located in a region between the rotary cup 40 and the arm standby unit 80.

  In the liquid processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the arm cleaning unit 88 may clean the entire nozzle support arm 82 or only a part of the nozzle support arm 82. Also good. The arm cleaning unit 88 is configured to clean the entire circumference of the nozzle support arm 82, but is not limited to this.

  Moreover, in the liquid processing apparatus 10 of this Embodiment, as shown in FIG.2 and FIG.10, when each arm 82p-82u is waiting in the arm waiting part 80, the process chamber 20 and an arm waiting part 80, the opening 88p of the arm cleaning portion 88 of the wall 90 provided between the wall 90 and the wall 80 is closed. As a result, each arm 82p to 82u functions as a lid for closing the opening 88p of the arm cleaning unit 88 of the wall 90, and the region in the processing chamber 20 and the region of the arm standby unit 80 can be isolated. become able to.

  Moreover, each arm 82p-82u can also block | close the opening 50m of the cup outer periphery cylinder 50 in an upper position as shown in FIG. As a result, the region in the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 and the region of the arm standby portion 80 can be isolated.

  Next, the operation of the liquid processing apparatus 10 having such a configuration will be described.

  First, the lift pin plate 22 and the processing liquid supply pipe 28 in the holding unit 21 are moved upward from the position shown in FIG. 4, and the shutter 94 provided in the opening 94a of the processing chamber 20 is retracted from the opening 94a. Opening 94a is performed. Then, the wafer W is transferred from the outside of the liquid processing apparatus 10 to the processing chamber 20 by the transfer arm 104 through the opening 94 a, and the wafer W is placed on the lift pins 23 of the lift pin plate 22. Is withdrawn from the processing chamber 20. At this time, the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 is located at a lower position as shown in FIG. Further, each nozzle support arm 82 is located at a retracted position retracted from the processing chamber 20. That is, each nozzle support arm 82 is on standby at the arm standby unit 80. Further, a gas such as clean air is always sent in a down flow from the FFU 70 into the processing chamber 20, and this gas is exhausted by the exhaust unit 54, whereby the atmosphere in the processing chamber 20 is replaced. Yes.

  Next, the lift pin plate 22 and the processing liquid supply pipe 28 are moved downward, and the lift pin plate 22 and the processing liquid supply pipe 28 are positioned at a lower position as shown in FIG. At this time, each holding member 25 provided on the holding plate 26 supports the wafer W on the lift pins 23 and slightly separates the wafer W from the lift pins 23.

  Thereafter, or while the lift pin plate 22 is being lowered, the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 is moved upward by the drive mechanism 50b provided in the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50, and the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 is moved to the upper position as shown in FIG. Position. Then, after the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 moves to the upper position, one or a plurality of nozzle support arms 82 among the six nozzle support arms 82 waiting in the arm standby unit 80 are the openings 88p of the arm cleaning unit 88 of the wall 90. And it advances into the processing chamber 20 through the opening 50m of the cup outer cylinder 50 (refer to the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5). At this time, the nozzle driving arm 82 performs linear motion by the arm driving mechanism 85.

  Then, the holding plate 26 and the lift pin plate 22 in the holding unit 21 are rotated. As a result, the wafer W supported by each holding member 25 of the holding plate 26 also rotates.

  Thereafter, first, the wafer W supported by each holding member 25 of the holding plate 26 is processed with an acidic chemical solution, and then a rinse process is performed. Specifically, in the state shown in FIG. 5, the first chemical supply arm 82q and the pure water supply arm 82p out of the six nozzle support arms 82 waiting in the arm standby section 80 are respectively the walls 90. The arm cleaning unit 88 advances simultaneously into the processing chamber 20 through the opening 88p of the arm cleaning section 88 and the opening 50m of the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50. At this time, since the first chemical liquid supply arm 82q and the pure water supply arm 82p have different height levels, the arms 82q and 82p do not interfere with each other.

  Then, an acidic chemical solution is supplied to the upper surface of the wafer W from the nozzle 82a of the first chemical solution supply arm 82q that has advanced into the processing chamber 20 while the wafer W is rotated. At this time, an acidic chemical solution may be supplied from the processing solution supply pipe 28 toward the lower surface (back surface) of the wafer W. In this way, the acidic chemical solution is supplied to at least the upper surface of the wafer W, and the chemical treatment of the wafer W is performed. The acidic chemical supplied to the wafer W is sent to, for example, the first processing liquid recovery tank 46a out of the four processing liquid recovery tanks 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d and recovered. Further, when the above chemical solution treatment is performed, the pure water supply arm 82p is moved to a position slightly retracted from the acidic chemical solution discharge position by the nozzle 82a of the first chemical solution supply arm 82q. It waits in the processing chamber 20 so that the nozzle 82a of the supply arm 82p is positioned. Here, when the pure water supply arm 82p is waiting, if the pure water supply arm 82p is rotated so that the nozzle 82a is oriented in a direction other than downward, specifically, for example, upward, the chemical solution treatment is performed. It is possible to prevent dropping of the pure water supply arm 82p from the nozzle 82a.

  Then, after the acidic chemical solution is supplied to the wafer W supported by each holding member 25 of the holding plate 26, pure water is continuously supplied to the wafer W without interruption. Specifically, after supplying an acidic chemical to the wafer W from the nozzle 82a provided in the first chemical supply arm 82q that has advanced into the processing chamber 20, the pure water supply that has advanced into the processing chamber 20 is supplied. Pure water is continuously supplied to the wafer W from the nozzle 82a provided on the arm 82p without interruption. The pure water supplied to the wafer W is sent to, for example, the third processing liquid recovery tank 46c among the four processing liquid recovery tanks 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d and recovered. In this manner, the wafer W is processed with the acidic chemical solution in the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50, and then the rinsing process is subsequently performed. At this time, since the pure water supply arm 82p and the first chemical liquid supply arm 82q are different from each other in the processing chamber 20, the arms 82p and 82q do not interfere with each other. When the treatment with the acidic chemical solution and the rinsing process on the wafer W are completed, the first chemical supply arm 82q that has advanced into the processing chamber 20 is retracted from the processing chamber 20 and waits at the arm standby unit 80. . On the other hand, the pure water supply arm 82 p remains in the processing chamber 20. Further, during the rinsing process, the second chemical liquid supply arm 82 s advances into the processing chamber 20 through the opening 88 p of the arm cleaning unit 88 of the wall 90 and the opening 50 m of the cup outer cylinder 50. More specifically, when the rinsing process as described above is performed, the second chemical liquid supply arm 82s is in a position slightly retracted from the pure water discharge position by the nozzle 82a of the pure water supply arm 82p. It waits in the processing chamber 20 so that the nozzle 82a of the 2nd chemical | medical solution supply arm 82s may be located.

  Thereafter, the wafer W supported by each holding member 25 of the holding plate 26 is treated with an alkaline chemical solution, and then rinsed. More specifically, the second chemical solution supply arm 82s and the pure water supply arm 82p that have advanced into the processing chamber 20 perform the treatment with the chemical solution and the rinsing process on the wafer W. At this time, since the second chemical liquid supply arm 82s and the pure water supply arm 82p have different height levels, the arms 82s and 82p do not interfere with each other.

  More specifically, an alkaline chemical solution is supplied to the upper surface of the wafer W from the nozzle 82a of the second chemical solution supply arm 82s that has advanced into the processing chamber 20 while the wafer W is rotated. At this time, an alkaline chemical may be supplied from the processing liquid supply pipe 28 toward the lower surface (back surface) of the wafer W. In this way, the alkaline chemical solution is supplied to at least the upper surface of the wafer W, and the chemical treatment of the wafer W is performed. The alkaline chemical liquid supplied to the wafer W is sent to, for example, the second processing liquid recovery tank 46b among the four processing liquid recovery tanks 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d and recovered. Further, when the above chemical solution treatment is performed, the pure water supply arm 82p is moved to a position slightly retracted from the alkaline chemical solution discharge position by the nozzle 82a of the second chemical solution supply arm 82s. It waits in the processing chamber 20 so that the nozzle 82a of the supply arm 82p is positioned.

  Then, after the alkaline chemical solution is supplied to the wafer W supported by the holding members 25 of the holding plate 26, pure water is continuously supplied to the wafer W without interruption. Specifically, after supplying an alkaline chemical liquid to the wafer W from the nozzle 82a provided in the second chemical liquid supply arm 82s that has advanced into the processing chamber 20, the pure liquid that has advanced into the processing chamber 20 is supplied. Pure water is continuously supplied to the wafer W from the nozzle 82a provided on the water supply arm 82p without interruption. The pure water supplied to the wafer W is sent to, for example, the third processing liquid recovery tank 46c among the four processing liquid recovery tanks 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d and recovered. In this manner, the wafer W is processed with the alkaline chemical solution in the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50, and then the rinsing process is subsequently performed. When the processing with the alkaline chemical solution and the rinsing process for the wafer W are completed, the second chemical solution supply arm 82s and the pure water supply arm 82p that have advanced into the processing chamber 20 are retracted from the processing chamber 20 and the arm standby unit. Wait at 80. Further, while the rinsing process as described above is performed, the IPA supply arm 82u advances into the processing chamber 20 through the opening 88p of the arm cleaning unit 88 of the wall 90 and the opening 50m of the cup outer cylinder 50. More specifically, when the rinsing process as described above is performed, the IPA supply arm 82u is moved to a position slightly retracted from the pure water discharge position by the nozzle 82a of the pure water supply arm 82p. It waits in the processing chamber 20 so that the nozzle 82a of the arm 82u is located.

  Thereafter, the wafer W supported by each holding member 25 of the holding plate 26 is dried by IPA. Specifically, among the six nozzle support arms 82 waiting in the arm standby section 80, the N2 gas supply arm 82r passes through the opening 88p of the arm cleaning section 88 of the wall 90 and the opening 50m of the cup outer cylinder 50. Advancing into the processing chamber 20. In this manner, the N 2 gas supply arm 82r and the IPA supply arm 82u are advanced into the processing chamber 20, respectively. At this time, since the N2 gas supply arm 82r and the IPA supply arm 82u have different height levels, the arms 82r and 82u do not interfere with each other.

  Then, after the wafer W is rotated, the IPA is supplied to the wafer W from the nozzle 82a provided in the IPA supply arm 82u that has advanced into the processing chamber 20, and then the IPA is supplied to the wafer W. In contrast, N 2 gas is supplied from a nozzle 82 a provided in an N 2 gas supply arm 82 r that has advanced into the processing chamber 20. Specifically, in the processing chamber 20, IPA is supplied to the center of the wafer W by a nozzle 82a provided in the IPA supply arm 82u. Thereafter, the IPA supply arm 82u moves from the center of the wafer W to the peripheral portion, and gas is supplied to the region on the wafer W after the IPA is supplied by the nozzle 82a provided in the N2 gas supply arm 82r. The IPA supply arm 82u and the N 2 gas supply arm 82r are moved on the wafer W so that the region on the wafer W to be sprayed follows. In this way, the N 2 gas is immediately supplied to the location where the IPA is supplied on the surface of the wafer W, and the drying process of the wafer W can be performed appropriately. The IPA supplied to the wafer W is sent to, for example, the fourth processing liquid recovery tank 46d out of the four processing liquid recovery tanks 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d and recovered. When the drying process of the wafer W is completed, the IPA supply arm 82u and the N 2 gas supply arm 82r that have advanced into the process chamber 20 are retracted from the process chamber 20 and wait in the arm standby unit 80.

  When the wafer drying process is completed, the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 is moved downward by the drive mechanism 50b provided in the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50, and the cup outer peripheral cylinder 50 is positioned at the lower position as shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, the lift pin plate 22 and the processing liquid supply pipe 28 in the holding unit 21 are moved upward from the positions shown in FIG. At this time, the wafer W supported by the holding member 25 of the holding plate 26 is transferred onto the lift pins 23 of the lift pin plate 22. Next, the opening 94a is opened by retracting the shutter 94 provided in the opening 94a of the processing chamber 20 from the opening 94a, and the transfer arm 104 is moved into the processing chamber 20 from the outside of the liquid processing apparatus 10 through the opening 94a. The wafer W on the lift pins 23 of the lift pin plate 22 is taken out by the transfer arm 104. The wafer W taken out by the transfer arm 104 is transferred to the outside of the liquid processing apparatus 10. In this way, a series of liquid processing of the wafer W is completed.

  The cleaning of each nozzle support arm 82 may be performed by the arm cleaning unit 88 when the nozzle support arm 82 moves from the processing chamber 20 to the retracted position in the arm standby unit 80. Further, the cleaning of each nozzle support arm 82 may be performed after each processing on the wafer W, or may be performed periodically.

  As described above, according to the liquid processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the nozzle support arms 82p to 82u can rotate around the longitudinal axis along the moving direction of the nozzle support arms 82p to 82u. The nozzle support arms 82p to 82u have spiral pipes 83p to 83u for sending fluid to the nozzle 82a, and the spiral pipes 83p to 83u are made of a flexible material. The spiral pipes 83p to 83u are orthogonal to the extending direction of the nozzle support arms 82p to 82u at the rear ends of the nozzle support arms 82p to 82u when the corresponding nozzle support arms 82p to 82u are at the retracted positions. It is comprised so that it may become a spiral shape on a plane. Accordingly, even when each of the nozzle support arms 82p to 82u can be rotated about its longitudinal axis, the pipe resistance connected to the nozzle 82a, specifically, the pipe resistance in each of the spiral pipes 83p to 83u is reduced. The space can be reduced by reducing the space occupied by the spiral pipes 83p to 83u.

  Moreover, in the liquid processing apparatus 10 of this Embodiment, the rotation mechanism 86 which rotates each nozzle support arm 82p-82u is provided in the arm waiting | standby part 80, respectively.

  Moreover, in the liquid processing apparatus 10 of this Embodiment, when supplying a fluid with the nozzle 82a with respect to the wafer W hold | maintained at the holding | maintenance part 21, the nozzle support arms 82p-82u which support this nozzle 82a select In particular, it rotates around the longitudinal axis. Specifically, when the fluid is supplied to the wafer W held by the holding unit 21 by the nozzle 82a, the nozzle 82a is positioned at the center of the wafer W and the nozzle 82a is positioned at the peripheral portion of the wafer W. The direction of the nozzle 82a can be changed depending on the case. As a result, when the nozzle 82a is positioned at the peripheral edge of the wafer W, for example, fluid is ejected obliquely downward from the nozzle 82a to the wafer W held by the holding unit 21, and the nozzle 82a With respect to the fluid supplied to the wafer W, specifically, liquid such as a chemical solution, liquid splash on the wafer W can be suppressed.

  Further, in the liquid processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, each nozzle support arm 82p to 82u supports each nozzle so that the nozzle 82a is oriented in a direction other than downward in the process chamber 20 when the nozzle support arms 82p to 82u move in the process chamber 20. The arms 82p to 82u rotate about the longitudinal axis. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent liquid such as a chemical from dropping from the nozzle 82a in the processing chamber 20 when the nozzle support arms 82p to 82u are moved.

  In addition, the liquid processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above aspect, and various changes can be made. For example, it is not necessary to supply the processing liquid to both the upper surface and the lower surface of the wafer W by the nozzle 82 a of the nozzle support arm 82 that has advanced into the processing chamber 20 and the processing liquid supply pipe 28, and the wafer by the nozzle 82 a of the nozzle support arm 82. The processing liquid may be supplied only to the upper surface of W.

  A plurality of nozzles 82 a may be provided for one nozzle support arm 82.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Liquid processing apparatus 20 Processing chamber 21 Holding part 22 Lift pin plate 23 Lift pin 24 Piston mechanism 25 Holding member 25a Shaft 25b Support part 25c Pressed member 25d Spring member 26 Holding plate 26a Bearing part 26b Bearing hole 26c Inner surface wall 28 Processing liquid supply pipe 28a Head portion 29 Treatment liquid supply unit 40 Rotating cup 42 Drain cup 43 First guide cup 44 Second guide cup 45 Third guide cup 46a First treatment liquid collection tank 46b Second treatment liquid collection tank 46c Third treatment liquid Recovery tank 46d Fourth treatment liquid recovery tank 48 Exhaust part 50 Cup outer peripheral cylinder 50a Support member 50b Drive mechanism 50m Opening 51 Guide member 52 Washing part 52a Storage part 54 Exhaust part 56 Exhaust part 58 Exhaust part 60 Shutter 62 Shutter 70 Shutter 70 FFU
80 Arm standby section 82 Nozzle support arm 82a Nozzle 82b Internal pipe 82c External pipe 82p Pure water supply arm 82q First chemical supply arm 82r N2 gas supply arm 82s Second chemical supply arm 82t Pure water mist supply Arm 82u IPA supply arm 83p to 83u Spiral pipe 84 Arm support 85 Arm drive mechanism 85a Motor 85b Pulley 85c Circulation belt 85d Base member 85e Belt mounting member 86 Rotating mechanism 88 Arm cleaning section 88a Housing portion 88b Cleaning liquid supply pipe 88c Suction mechanism 88d Suction mechanism 88e Drainage portion 88f Drain pipe 88p Opening 89 Surface treatment liquid supply unit 90 Wall 94 Shutter 94a Opening 101 Mounting table 102 Transfer arm 103 Shelf unit 104 Transfer arm 200 Liquid processing device 210 Processing chamber 22 Holder 230 cup 240 nozzle 241 arm 242 arm support 250 FFU
260 Exhaust section

Claims (8)

A substrate holding unit for holding a substrate and a processing chamber in which a cup disposed around the substrate holding unit is provided;
A nozzle for supplying a fluid to the substrate held by the substrate holding unit;
A nozzle support arm that supports the nozzle at the tip, and is movable in a horizontal direction between an advanced position that has advanced into the processing chamber and a retracted position that has been retracted from the processing chamber;
A wall extending in a vertical direction facing the processing chamber, and partitioning a space inside the processing chamber and a space outside the processing chamber;
With
An opening is provided in the wall;
The nozzle support arm advances and retracts along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle arm through the opening in the wall, and when the nozzle support arm is in the advanced position, the nozzle support arm is placed on the substrate held by the substrate holding part. The fluid can be supplied from the nozzle,
The nozzle support arm is rotatable around a longitudinal axis along the moving direction of the nozzle support arm,
The nozzle support arm has a pipe for sending a fluid to the nozzle, and the pipe is made of a flexible material, and the pipe is formed when the nozzle support arm is in the retracted position. The rear end portion of the support arm is configured to have a spiral shape on a plane orthogonal to the direction in which the nozzle support arm extends ,
The pipe is liquid processing apparatus characterized by being arranged in the space outside the processing chamber. An arm standby portion provided in the space outside the processing chamber adjacent to the processing chamber via the wall and for waiting for the nozzle support arm retracted from the processing chamber;
The liquid processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a rotation mechanism that rotates the nozzle support arm is provided in the arm standby unit.   The liquid processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the arm standby unit is provided with an arm drive mechanism that moves the nozzle support arm between the processing chamber and the arm standby unit.   The liquid processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the nozzle support arm is configured to perform a rectilinear movement between the processing chamber and the arm standby unit.   When supplying a fluid to the substrate held by the substrate holding portion by the nozzle, the nozzle support arm that supports the nozzle selectively rotates about the longitudinal axis. The liquid processing apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 characterized by these.   When the fluid is supplied to the substrate held by the substrate holding unit by the nozzle, the orientation of the nozzle depending on whether the nozzle is located at the center of the substrate or when the nozzle is located at the peripheral edge of the substrate. The liquid processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the liquid is changed.   When the nozzle support arm moves in the processing chamber, the nozzle support arm rotates about the longitudinal axis so that the nozzle is oriented in a direction other than downward in the processing chamber. The liquid processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The nozzle support arm is provided in a plurality, and at least one nozzle support arm has a height level different from that of other nozzle support arms. The liquid processing apparatus as described.

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