WO2013077322A1 - ワーク搬送システム - Google Patents
ワーク搬送システム Download PDFInfo
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- WO2013077322A1 WO2013077322A1 PCT/JP2012/080074 JP2012080074W WO2013077322A1 WO 2013077322 A1 WO2013077322 A1 WO 2013077322A1 JP 2012080074 W JP2012080074 W JP 2012080074W WO 2013077322 A1 WO2013077322 A1 WO 2013077322A1
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- storage unit
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- workpiece
- processing module
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
- H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/677—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations
- H01L21/67703—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations between different workstations
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
- H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/67005—Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/67011—Apparatus for manufacture or treatment
- H01L21/67155—Apparatus for manufacturing or treating in a plurality of work-stations
- H01L21/67161—Apparatus for manufacturing or treating in a plurality of work-stations characterized by the layout of the process chambers
- H01L21/67173—Apparatus for manufacturing or treating in a plurality of work-stations characterized by the layout of the process chambers in-line arrangement
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
- H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/677—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations
- H01L21/67703—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations between different workstations
- H01L21/67736—Loading to or unloading from a conveyor
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
- H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/677—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations
- H01L21/67739—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations into and out of processing chamber
- H01L21/67742—Mechanical parts of transfer devices
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
- H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/677—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations
- H01L21/67739—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations into and out of processing chamber
- H01L21/67745—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations into and out of processing chamber characterized by movements or sequence of movements of transfer devices
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
- H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/677—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations
- H01L21/67739—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations into and out of processing chamber
- H01L21/67748—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations into and out of processing chamber horizontal transfer of a single workpiece
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
- H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/677—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations
- H01L21/67763—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations the wafers being stored in a carrier, involving loading and unloading
- H01L21/67778—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations the wafers being stored in a carrier, involving loading and unloading involving loading and unloading of wafers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a work transfer system for transferring a work such as a semiconductor wafer, a liquid crystal panel, or a solar battery panel in a production line.
- an industrial robot 102 (robot 102) is used in a semiconductor production line 101.
- the production line 101 includes a front-end module (Equipment Front End Module (EFEM)) (not shown) and, for example, four processing modules 103, 104, 105, and 106.
- the processing module 103 and the processing module 104 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction, and the processing module 105 and the processing module 106 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction.
- processing modules 103 and 104 and the processing modules 105 and 106 are arranged with a predetermined interval in the X direction of FIGS. 6 and 7 which is one direction in the horizontal direction.
- a buffer 108 for temporarily storing a semiconductor wafer W (wafer W) as a workpiece before supplying it to the processing modules 103 to 106.
- the wafer W stored in the EFEM is supplied to the buffer 108 by a robot (not shown).
- the robot 102 includes an end effector 111 for gripping the wafer W.
- the robot 102 includes two end effectors 111, an end effector 111 for receiving the wafer W from the buffer 108 and an end effector 111 for mounting the wafer W on the buffer 108.
- the robot 102 includes an arm 112 to which the end effector 111 is rotatably connected, an arm drive mechanism that moves the end effector 111 in a horizontal direction by extending and contracting the arm 112, and an arm 112 with the vertical direction as an axial direction.
- a pivot mechanism that pivots the arm 112 around the vicinity of the base end side, a lifting mechanism 113 that lifts and lowers the end effector 111, and a transport mechanism 114 that transports the end effector 111 in the X direction.
- the robot 102 transfers the wafer W between the buffer 108 and the processing modules 103 to 106.
- the wafer W that has been processed in one processing module 103 to 106 may be supplied to another processing module 103 to 106 thereafter. Is generally returned to the buffer 108.
- a predetermined process is performed on the wafer W.
- the robot 102 first receives the wafer W supplied from the EFEM and stored in the buffer 108 from the buffer 108, and transfers the wafer W to the processing module 103, for example. Further, the robot 1 takes out the processed wafer W from the processing module 103 and transfers the processed wafer W to the buffer 108 again.
- the robot 102 receives the wafer W from the buffer 108 and transfers it to the processing module 105, for example. By repeating these operations, a predetermined process for the wafer W is executed in the production line 101. That is, in the production line 101, the robot 102 reciprocates several times between the processing modules 103 to 106 for processing the wafer W and the buffer 108, and a predetermined process for the wafer W is executed.
- the robot 102 uses one of the two end effectors 111 in the processing module 103. Then, the processed wafer W processed by the processing module 103 is taken out from the processing module 103, and the wafer W taken out from the buffer 108 and held by the other end effector 111 is placed in the processing module 103. Thereafter, the robot 102 transfers the processed wafer W taken out from the processing module 103 and held by one end effector 111 to the buffer 108.
- the robot 102 uses the other end effector 111 in the buffer 108 to take out, for example, the wafer W to be processed by the processing module 105 from the buffer 108 and take out the wafer W from the module 103 to the one end effector 111.
- the held wafer W is placed in the buffer 108.
- the weight of a robot generally used in a semiconductor production line reaches approximately 50 kg to 100 kg depending on functions related to the robot. Therefore, if the robot 102 is to be operated safely in the production line 101, it is difficult to increase the moving speed of the robot 102 in the X direction more than before. Therefore, for example, in the production line 101, it is difficult to improve production efficiency more than before.
- an object of the present invention is to provide a work transfer system that can improve the production efficiency of a production line to be used, particularly in a production line in which a workpiece such as a semiconductor is transferred for a relatively long distance.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a work transfer system capable of improving the production efficiency of this production line when used.
- a workpiece transfer system is a robot that is disposed in front of a processing module that performs predetermined processing on a workpiece and that loads the workpiece into and out of the processing module. And a work storage unit for storing a work carried into the processing module and a work carried out from the processing module, and a moving mechanism for moving the work storage unit in a direction substantially orthogonal to the work carrying-in / out direction with respect to the processing module. It is characterized by providing.
- the workpiece transfer system of the present invention includes a workpiece storage unit in which workpieces are stored, and a moving mechanism that moves the workpiece storage unit in a direction substantially perpendicular to the workpiece loading / unloading direction with respect to the processing module. Therefore, in the present invention, the workpiece storage unit that can reduce the weight compared to the robot may be moved in a direction substantially orthogonal to the workpiece loading / unloading direction with respect to the processing module instead of the robot. Therefore, according to the present invention, the workpiece storage unit can be safely moved even if the movement speed of the workpiece storage unit is faster than the movement speed of the robot. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to increase the moving speed of the work storage unit and increase the work transfer efficiency.
- the present invention it is possible to improve the production efficiency of the production line in which the work transfer system is used. Further, in the present invention, since the moving speed of the work storage unit can be increased, if the work transport system of the present invention is used in a production line where the work is transported for a relatively long distance, the production efficiency of this production line is increased. Can be further enhanced.
- the workpiece transfer system includes a plurality of robots arranged in the moving direction of the workpiece storage unit, and the workpiece storage unit can store a plurality of workpieces.
- a plurality of wafers can be stored in the work storage unit at the position where the buffer 108 described with reference to FIGS. Therefore, when this workpiece transfer system is used in a production line provided with a plurality of processing modules arranged in the moving direction of the workpiece storage unit, a workpiece is taken out by one of the plurality of robots. Even if the workpiece storage unit after moving to the position of another robot without moving back to the buffer arrangement position, the robot can take out the workpiece stored in the workpiece storage unit. Become. Therefore, it is possible to effectively improve the production efficiency of the production line in which the work transfer system is used.
- the workpiece storage unit is disposed between the processing module and the robot in the direction of loading and unloading the workpiece with respect to the processing module.
- the robot end effector after moving from the predetermined standby position toward the workpiece storage unit and receiving the workpiece at the workpiece storage unit is moved in the same direction as it is, and the workpiece is loaded into the processing module. Just do it.
- the end effector after moving from the processing module toward the workpiece storage unit and storing the workpiece in the workpiece storage unit may be moved in the same direction as it is to the standby position. Therefore, it becomes possible to simplify the control of the robot.
- the workpiece transfer system includes a plurality of workpiece storage units arranged to overlap in the vertical direction, a plurality of transfer mechanisms that move each of the plurality of workpiece storage units, and the same number or more as the plurality of workpiece storage units.
- the robot includes an end effector on which a workpiece is mounted, and a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the end effector.
- the plurality of robots are arranged in the movement direction of the workpiece storage unit and store a plurality of workpieces. The lower limit position of each movement range of the end effector provided in each of the plurality of robots is gradually lowered in the movement direction of the workpiece storage unit, and the plurality of workpieces are arranged below the plurality of robots.
- each height of the storage unit It is preferable to set according to each height of the storage unit. If comprised in this way, it will become possible to respond
- the work storage unit is disposed on the lower side of the robot and moves at a position outside the operation range of the robot.
- it is possible to prevent interference between the operating robot and the moving work storage unit. Therefore, it is possible to freely and freely move the robot and move the work storage unit, and as a result, it is possible to effectively improve the production efficiency of the production line in which the work transfer system is used. .
- it will become possible to arrange
- FIG. 1 It is a top view for demonstrating the structure of the production line using the workpiece conveyance system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a side view for demonstrating the structure of the production line shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the structure of the production line using the workpiece conveyance system concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a side view for demonstrating the structure of the production line shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a production line from the EE direction of FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the structure of the production line concerning a prior art. It is a side view for demonstrating the structure of the production line shown in FIG.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view for explaining a configuration of a production line 2 using a workpiece transfer system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side view for explaining the configuration of the production line 2 shown in FIG.
- the workpiece transfer system 1 of this embodiment is a system for transferring a semiconductor wafer W (wafer W) as a workpiece in a semiconductor production line 2.
- the production line 2 includes an EFEM (not shown) and processing modules 4 to 7 that perform predetermined processing on the wafer W.
- the production line 2 of this embodiment includes four processing modules 4-7.
- the processing modules 4 to 7 are generally provided with a gate (not shown) for taking in and out the wafer W.
- the processing module 4 and the processing module 5 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction, and the processing module 6 and the processing module 7 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction.
- the processing modules 4 and 5 and the processing modules 6 and 7 are arranged with a predetermined interval in the X direction, which is one horizontal direction.
- the processing modules 4 and 5 are disposed on the EFEM side with respect to the processing modules 6 and 7.
- the processing modules 4 and 5 and the processing modules 6 and 7 are disposed at the same position in the Y direction, which is one horizontal direction orthogonal to the X direction.
- the processing module 4 and the processing module 6 are arranged at the same height
- the processing module 5 and the processing module 7 are arranged at the same height.
- the workpiece transfer system 1 includes a robot 11 that loads a wafer W into and out of the processing modules 4 and 5, and a wafer 11 that loads the wafer W into the processing modules 6 and 7 and a processing module 6. , 7 for unloading the wafer W from the wafer 7, and the wafer storage section 13 as a work storage section for storing the wafer W loaded into the processing modules 4-7 and the wafer W unloaded from the processing modules 4-7. And a moving mechanism 14 for moving the wafer storage unit 13 in the X direction.
- Robots 11 and 12 are so-called horizontal articulated robots.
- the robots 11 and 12 include two end effectors (hands) 16 that hold the wafer W (or have the wafer W mounted thereon).
- the robots 11 and 12 include an arm 17 to which the end effector 16 is pivotally connected, an arm drive mechanism that moves the end effector 16 by extending and contracting the arm 17, and an elevation that moves the end effector 16 and the arm 17 up and down. And a mechanism 18.
- the robot 11 is disposed in front of the processing modules 4 and 5, and the robot 12 is disposed in front of the processing modules 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the robot 11 is fixed in front of the processing modules 4 and 5, and the robot 12 is fixed in front of the processing modules 6 and 7.
- the robots 11 and 12 are arranged at the same position in the Y direction.
- the end effector 16 is moved up and down by the lifting mechanism 18 so that the gate height of the processing modules 4 to 7 matches the height of the end effector 16.
- the arm 17 is expanded and contracted by the arm driving mechanism so that the end effector 16 moves linearly in the Y direction, and the wafer W is loaded into the processing modules 4 to 7 and the processing modules 4 to 4 are moved. 7 to carry out the wafer W.
- the wafer storage unit 13 is formed in a box shape, for example, and can store the wafer W therein.
- a plurality of wafers W can be stored in the wafer storage unit 13.
- two wafers W can be stored in the wafer storage unit 13.
- the wafer storage unit 13 is disposed between the processing modules 4 to 7 and the robots 11 and 12 in the Y direction.
- the wafer storage unit 13 moves in the X direction between the origin position (the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) where the wafer W is supplied from the EFEM, the processing modules 4 and 5, and the processing modules 6 and 7.
- the wafer storage unit 13 transfers the wafer W in the X direction between the origin position, the processing modules 4 and 5, and the processing modules 6 and 7.
- the wafer W stored in the EFEM is supplied to the wafer storage unit 13 at the origin position by a robot (not shown).
- the moving mechanism 14 includes, for example, a rotary motor, a lead screw connected to the rotary motor and arranged in the X direction as a longitudinal direction, a nut member fixed to the wafer storage unit 13 and engaged with the lead screw, A guide rail disposed with the X direction as a longitudinal direction and a guide block fixed to the wafer storage unit 13 and engaged with the guide rail are provided.
- the moving mechanism 14 includes, for example, a linear motor or a timing belt instead of the above-described rotary motor, lead screw, and nut member.
- the wafer W after being processed in one processing module 4 to 7 may be supplied to another processing module 4 to 7 thereafter. Is generally returned to EFEM. Further, in the processing modules 4 to 7, a predetermined process is performed on the wafer W.
- the wafer W to be processed by the processing module 4 and the processing module 6 are stored in the wafer storage unit 13 at the origin position.
- the two wafers W, which are the wafers W to be processed, are supplied from the EFEM and stored. In the following, it is assumed that the processing modules 4 and 6 have processed wafers W.
- the wafer storage unit 13 conveys the stored wafer W to the installation position of the robot 11 (that is, the installation position of the processing modules 4 and 5).
- the robot 11 uses one of the two end effectors 16 to unload the wafer W processed by the processing module 4 from the processing module 4 and to the other.
- the end effector 16 is used to take out the wafer W from the wafer storage unit 13 and carry it into the processing module 4. Further, the robot 11 places the wafer W, which is unloaded from the processing module 4 and is held by one end effector 16, in the wafer storage unit 13.
- the wafer storage unit 13 moves to the installation position of the robot 12 (that is, the installation position of the processing modules 6 and 7). That is, the wafer storage unit 13 transports the wafer W processed by the processing module 4 and the wafer W stored at the origin position to the installation position of the robot 12.
- the robot 12 uses one of the two end effectors 16 to unload the wafer W processed by the processing module 6 from the processing module 6 and stores the wafer W stored at the origin position using the other end effector 16. W is taken out from the wafer storage unit 13 and carried into the processing module 6. Further, the robot 12 places the wafer W unloaded from the processing module 6 and held by one end effector 16 in the wafer storage unit 13.
- the wafer storage unit 13 moves to the origin position.
- the two wafers W stored in the wafer storage unit 13 that is, the wafer W processed by the processing module 4 and the wafer W processed by the processing module 6) are illustrated. Is returned to the EFEM, for example. By repeating these operations, a predetermined process for the wafer W is executed in the production line 2.
- the wafer W carried out from the processing module 4 and held by one end effector 16 is placed in the wafer storage unit 13, and the wafer W is taken out from the wafer storage unit 13 using the other end effector 16. After that, the wafer storage unit 13 moves from the installation position of the robot 11 to the installation position of the robot 12 at the same time that the robot 11 starts to carry the wafer W held by the other end effector 16 into the processing module 4. You may do it. Further, the wafer W carried out from the processing module 6 and held by one end effector 16 is placed in the wafer storage unit 13, and the wafer W is taken out from the wafer storage unit 13 using the other end effector 16. After that, the wafer storage unit 13 may move from the installation position of the robot 12 to the origin position at the same time when the robot 12 starts to carry the wafer W held by the other end effector 16 into the processing module 6. good.
- the wafer storage unit 13 formed in a box shape or the like is movable in the X direction between the origin position, the processing modules 4 and 5, and the processing modules 6 and 7. . Therefore, in this embodiment, when the wafer W is transferred in the X direction, the wafer storage unit 13 that can reduce the weight as compared with the robots 11 and 12 may be moved in the X direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the moving speed of the wafer storage unit 13 is relatively high, the wafer storage unit 13 can be safely moved. That is, in this embodiment, it is possible to increase the transfer efficiency of the wafer W by increasing the moving speed of the wafer storage unit 13.
- the production efficiency of the production line 2 can be improved.
- the transfer distance of the wafer W in the production line 2 is long (that is, the distance between the origin position and the installation position of the robot 11, the robot The production efficiency of the production line 2 can be further increased when the distance between the installation position 11 and the installation position of the robot 12 is long.
- the workpiece transfer system 1 includes two robots 11 and 12 and can store two wafers W in the wafer storage unit 13. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, for example, two wafers W, that is, the wafer W to be processed by the processing module 4 and the wafer W to be processed by the processing module 6 are placed in the wafer storage unit 13 at the origin position. If stored, after the robot 11 performs the wafer W carry-out operation and carry-in operation to the processing module 4, the wafer storage unit 13 once moves to the installation position of the robot 12 without returning to the origin position.
- the robot 12 can perform a wafer W unloading operation and a loading operation with respect to the processing module 6.
- the distance between the origin position of the wafer storage unit 13 and the robot 11 in the X direction (that is, the distance between the origin position of the wafer storage unit 13 and the processing modules 4 and 5) is A, and X If the distance between the robot 11 and the robot 12 in the direction (that is, the distance between the processing modules 4 and 5 and the processing modules 6 and 7) is B, the production line 2 of the present embodiment starts from the origin position and starts the wafer W Is transferred to the processing modules 4 and 6, and the moving distance of the wafer storage unit 13 in the process of returning to the origin position is (2A + 2B).
- the robot 102 loads the wafer W into the processing module 103 and then temporarily stores it in the buffer 108. After returning to the processing module 105, the wafer W is loaded into the processing module 105. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, if the distance between the buffer 108 and the processing modules 103 and 104 in the X direction is the same A, and the distance between the processing modules 103 and 104 and the processing modules 105 and 106 in the X direction is the same B. In the conventional production line 101, the moving distance of the robot 102 in the process of leaving the buffer 108, loading the wafer W into the processing modules 103 and 105, and returning to the buffer 108 is (4A + 2B).
- the distance between the buffer 108 and the processing modules 103 and 104 is equal to the distance between the origin position of the wafer storage unit 13 and the processing modules 4 and 5, and the processing modules 103 and 104 and the processing module 105.
- 106 and the distance between the processing modules 4, 5 and the processing modules 6, 7 are the same as the distance the wafer storage unit 13 moves when the wafer W is loaded into the processing modules 4, 6. Is shorter than the moving distance when the wafer W is loaded into the processing modules 103 and 105 by a distance 2A. Therefore, compared to the conventional production line 101, the production efficiency of the production line 2 of this embodiment can be effectively improved.
- the wafer storage unit 13 is disposed between the processing modules 4 to 7 and the robots 11 and 12 in the Y direction that is the moving direction of the end effector 16. Therefore, in this embodiment, the end effector 16 after moving from the predetermined standby position toward the wafer storage unit 13 and receiving the wafer W in the wafer storage unit 13 is moved in the same direction as it is, and the processing modules 4 to 4 are moved. What is necessary is just to carry in the wafer W to 7. The end effector 16 after moving from the processing modules 4 to 7 toward the wafer storage unit 13 and storing the wafer W in the wafer storage unit 13 may be moved in the same direction to the standby position.
- the wafer storage unit 13 is movable in the X direction between the origin position and the processing modules 4 and 5 and the processing modules 6 and 7. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the robots 11 and 12 with a configuration for moving the end effector 16 and the arm 17 in the X direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the configuration of the robots 11 and 12 can be simplified.
- the workpiece transfer system 1 includes one wafer storage unit 13 and a moving mechanism 14 that moves the wafer storage unit 13 in the X direction.
- the workpiece transfer system 1 includes a dedicated wafer storage unit for transferring the wafer W supplied from the EFEM to the arrangement position of the processing modules 4 to 7 and the wafer processed by the processing modules 4 to 7.
- a moving mechanism is included in the workpiece transfer system 1 a dedicated wafer storage unit for transferring the wafer W supplied from the EFEM to the arrangement position of the processing modules 4 to 7 and the wafer processed by the processing modules 4 to 7.
- the workpiece transfer system 1 also includes a dedicated wafer storage unit for transferring the wafer W between the EFEM and the arrangement positions of the processing modules 4 and 5, and the arrangement position of the EFEM and the processing modules 6 and 7.
- a dedicated wafer storage unit for transporting the wafer W
- two moving mechanisms for moving each of the two wafer storage units in the X direction.
- the workpiece transfer system 1 may include three or more wafer storage units and three or more moving mechanisms that move each of the three or more wafer storage units in the X direction. In this case, the production efficiency of the production line 2 can be further increased.
- Embodiment 1 two robots 11 and 12 are installed on the production line 2.
- the production line 2 includes only the processing modules 4 and 5, only one robot 11 needs to be installed on the production line 2.
- the number of wafers W that can be stored in the wafer storage unit 13 may be one.
- the number of robots installed in the production line 2 may be three or more according to the layout of the processing modules.
- the robot 12 takes out the wafer W stored at the origin position from the wafer storage unit 13 and carries it into the processing module 6.
- the robot 12 may take out the wafer W processed by the processing module 4 from the wafer storage unit 13 and carry it into the processing module 6.
- two wafers W can be stored in the wafer storage unit 13, but three or more wafers W may be stored in the wafer storage unit 13. In this case, in order to further increase the production efficiency of the production line 2, it is preferable that five or more wafers W can be stored in the wafer storage unit 13.
- the wafer storage unit 13 is arranged between the processing modules 4 to 7 and the robots 11 and 12 in the Y direction.
- the arrangement position of the wafer storage unit 13 is not limited to this position.
- the wafer storage unit 13 may be arranged so that the robots 11 and 12 are sandwiched between the processing modules 4 to 7 and the wafer storage unit 13 in the Y direction.
- one work transfer system 1 is installed in the production line 2, but two or more work transfer systems 1 may be installed in the production line 2.
- FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining a configuration of a production line 32 using the workpiece transfer system 31 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a side view for explaining the configuration of the production line 32 shown in FIG.
- FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the production line 32 from the EE direction of FIG.
- the workpiece transfer system 31 is a system for transferring the wafer W in the semiconductor production line 32, similarly to the workpiece transfer system 1 according to the first embodiment.
- the production line 32 includes an EFEM 33 and 16 processing modules 34 to 49 that perform predetermined processing on the wafer W.
- the processing modules 34 to 49 are provided with a gate (not shown) for taking in and out the wafer W.
- the processing module 34 and the processing module 35 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction
- the processing module 36 and the processing module 37 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction
- the processing module 38 and the processing module 39 are arranged in the vertical direction.
- the processing module 40 and the processing module 41 are arranged so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction
- the processing module 42 and the processing module 43 are arranged so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction.
- the module 45 is arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction
- the processing module 46 and the processing module 47 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction
- the processing module 48 and the processing module 49 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction. Has been.
- processing modules 34 and 35 and the processing modules 36 and 37 are disposed at the same position in the X direction that is one direction in the horizontal direction, and in the Y direction that is one direction in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the X direction. They are arranged at a predetermined interval.
- the processing modules 38 and 39 and the processing modules 40 and 41 are arranged at the same position in the X direction, and are arranged with a predetermined interval in the Y direction.
- the processing modules 42 and 43 and the processing modules 44 and 45 are arranged at the same position in the X direction and are arranged with a predetermined interval in the Y direction.
- the processing modules 46 and 47 and the processing modules 48 and 49 are arranged at the same position in the X direction and are arranged with a predetermined interval in the Y direction.
- processing modules 34 to 37, the processing modules 38 to 41, the processing modules 42 to 45, and the processing modules 46 to 49 are arranged in a state of being spaced apart in the X direction.
- the processing modules 34 to 37, the processing modules 38 to 41, the processing modules 42 to 45, and the processing modules 46 to 49 are arranged in this order from the EFEM side 33 side.
- the processing modules 34 and 35, the processing modules 38 and 39, the processing modules 42 and 43, and the processing modules 46 and 47 are arranged at the same position in the Y direction, and the processing modules 36 and 37, the processing modules 40 and 41, and the processing The modules 44 and 45 and the processing modules 48 and 49 are arranged at the same position in the Y direction. Furthermore, the processing module 34, the processing module 36, the processing module 38, the processing module 40, the processing module 42, the processing module 44, the processing module 46, and the processing module 48 are arranged at the same height, and the processing module 35 and the processing module 37.
- the processing module 39, the processing module 41, the processing module 43, the processing module 45, the processing module 47, and the processing module 49 are arranged at the same height.
- the workpiece transfer system 31 includes a robot 51 that loads and unloads wafers W into and from the processing modules 34 to 37, a robot 52 that loads and unloads wafers W from and to the processing modules 38 to 41, and a wafer W that corresponds to the processing modules 42 to 45.
- a robot 53 that carries in and out the wafer
- a robot 54 that carries in and out the wafer W with respect to the processing modules 46 to 49
- a work storage unit in which the wafer W carried into and out of the processing modules 38 to 41 is stored.
- the wafer storage unit 55 and the wafer storage unit 56 as a work storage unit for storing the wafers W loaded and unloaded into the processing modules 42 to 45 and the processing modules 46 to 49 are loaded and unloaded.
- a wafer storage unit 57 as a work storage unit in which a wafer W to be stored is stored; A moving mechanism 58 for moving the wafer storage section 55 to the X direction, a moving mechanism 59 for moving the wafer storage section 56 in the X direction and the wafer storage section 57 and a moving mechanism 60 for moving the X-direction.
- the robots 51 to 54 are not shown.
- the robots 51 to 54 are so-called horizontal articulated robots.
- the robots 51 to 54 include two end effectors (hands) 66 that hold the wafer W (or the wafer W is mounted), two arms 67 to which the end effectors 66 are rotatably connected, An arm drive mechanism that moves the end effector 66 by expanding and contracting the arm 67, a rotation mechanism that rotates the arm 67 about the proximal end side of the arm 67 with the vertical direction as an axial direction, an end effector 66, and an arm 67 and a lifting mechanism 68 that lifts and lowers the rotating mechanism.
- the robot 51 is disposed between the processing modules 34 and 35 and the processing modules 36 and 37, and the robot 52 is disposed between the processing modules 38 and 39 and the processing modules 40 and 41. Is disposed between the processing modules 42 and 43 and the processing modules 44 and 45, and the robot 54 is disposed between the processing modules 46 and 47 and the processing modules 48 and 49.
- the robot 51 is arranged in front of the processing modules 34 to 37, the robot 52 is arranged in front of the processing modules 38 to 41, the robot 53 is arranged in front of the processing modules 42 to 45, and the robot 54 is These are arranged in front of the processing modules 46 to 49. That is, the robots 51 to 54 are arranged with a predetermined interval in the X direction.
- the robot 51 is fixed in front of the processing modules 34 to 37
- the robot 52 is fixed in front of the processing modules 38 to 41
- the robot 53 is fixed in front of the processing modules 42 to 45
- 54 is fixed in front of the processing modules 46-49. Further, the robots 51 to 54 are arranged at the same position in the Y direction.
- the wafer storage units 55 to 57 are formed, for example, in a box shape, and the wafer W can be stored therein.
- the wafer storage units 55 to 57 can store a plurality of wafers W.
- two wafers W are stored adjacent to each other in the Y direction.
- the wafer storage units 55 to 57 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction.
- the wafer storage units 55 to 57 are arranged so as to overlap in this order from the upper side.
- the wafer storage units 55 to 57 are arranged below the robots 51 to 54 in the vertical direction.
- the wafer storage units 55 to 57 are arranged at the same positions as the robots 51 to 54 in the Y direction.
- the wafer storage unit 55 is positioned in front of the processing modules 38 to 41 in the X direction (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 3 and 4) from the origin position (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 4) to which the wafer W is supplied from the EFEM 33. ) In the X direction and can pass under the robot 51. That is, the wafer storage unit 55 moves at a position outside the operation range of the robots 51, 53, and 54. The wafer storage 55 transfers the wafer W in the X direction between the front of the processing modules 38 to 41 in the X direction and the origin position.
- the wafer storage unit 56 is positioned in front of the processing modules 42 to 45 in the X direction from the origin position (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 4) from which the wafer W is supplied from the EFEM 33 (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 3 and 4). ) In the X direction, and is disposed at a position where it can pass below the robots 51 and 52. That is, the wafer storage unit 56 moves at a position outside the operating range of the robots 51, 52, and 54. The wafer storage unit 56 transfers the wafer W in the X direction between the front of the processing modules 42 to 45 in the X direction and the origin position.
- the wafer storage unit 57 is positioned in front of the processing modules 46 to 49 in the X direction from the origin position (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 4) to which the wafer W is supplied from the EFEM 33 (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 3 and 4). ) In the X direction, and is disposed at a position where it can pass under the robots 51 to 53. That is, the wafer storage unit 57 moves outside the operating range of the robots 51 to 53. The wafer storage unit 57 transfers the wafer W in the X direction between the front of the processing modules 46 to 49 in the X direction and the origin position.
- a buffer 70 is provided between the processing modules 34 to 37 and the EFEM 33 in the X direction.
- the buffer 70 is formed in a box shape, for example, and can store the wafer W therein.
- the buffer 70 can store a plurality of wafers W. In the buffer 70, two wafers W are stored so as to be adjacent in the Y direction.
- the buffer 70 is fixed above the wafer storage 55 at the origin position. Further, the wafer storage portions 55 to 57 at the origin position overlap in the vertical direction.
- the wafer W stored in the EFEM 33 is supplied to the wafer storage units 55 to 57 and the buffer 70 at the origin by a robot (not shown).
- the moving mechanisms 58 to 60 are, for example, a rotary motor, a lead screw connected to the rotary motor and arranged with the X direction as a longitudinal direction, and a wafer storage unit.
- the robot 51 takes out the pre-processed wafer W from the buffer 70 and carries it into the processing modules 34 to 37, and also carries out the processed wafers W processed by the processing modules 34 to 37. , Put in the buffer 70.
- the robot 52 takes out the pre-processed wafer W from the wafer storage section 55 stopped before the process modules 38 to 41 in the X direction, and loads the wafer W into the process modules 38 to 41.
- the processed wafer W that has been processed is unloaded and placed in the wafer storage unit 55 stopped before the processing modules 38 to 41 in the X direction.
- the robot 53 takes out the pre-processed wafer W from the wafer storage unit 56 stopped before the process modules 42 to 45 in the X direction, and loads the wafer W into the process modules 42 to 45.
- the processed wafer W that has been processed is unloaded and placed in the wafer storage unit 56 stopped before the processing modules 42 to 45 in the X direction.
- the robot 54 takes out the pre-processed wafer W from the wafer storage unit 57 stopped before the process modules 46 to 49 in the X direction, and loads the wafer W into the process modules 46 to 49.
- the processed wafer W that has been processed is unloaded and placed in the wafer storage unit 57 stopped before the processing modules 46 to 49 in the X direction.
- the end effector 66 is moved up and down by the lifting mechanism 68 so that the gate height of the processing modules 34 to 37 matches the height of the end effector 66. Further, in the robot 51, the arm 67 expands and contracts so that the end effector 66 moves linearly by the arm drive mechanism, and the arm 67 rotates around its proximal end side so that the buffer 70 can process the processing modules 34 to 34. The loading of the wafer W into the substrate 37 and the unloading of the wafer W from the processing modules 34 to 37 to the buffer 70 are performed. In the robot 51, the lower limit position of the movement range of the end effector 66 is set according to the height of the buffer 70. That is, in the robot 51, the lower limit position of the movement range of the end effector 66 is substantially equal to the height of the buffer 70. Therefore, as described above, the wafer storage units 55 to 57 can pass under the robot 51.
- the end effector 66 is moved up and down by the lifting mechanism 68 so that the gate height of the processing modules 38 to 41 matches the height of the end effector 66.
- the arm 67 expands and contracts so that the end effector 66 moves linearly by the arm drive mechanism, and the arm 67 rotates about its proximal end side, and the processing module is moved from the wafer storage unit 55 to the processing module. The loading of the wafer W into the 38 to 41 and the unloading of the wafer W from the processing modules 38 to 41 to the wafer storage unit 55 are performed.
- the lower limit position of the movement range of the end effector 66 is set according to the height of the wafer storage unit 55 and is substantially equal to the height of the wafer storage unit 55. Therefore, as described above, the wafer storage units 56 and 57 can pass under the robot 52.
- the end effector 66 is moved up and down by the lifting mechanism 68 so that the gate height of the processing modules 42 to 45 matches the height of the end effector 66.
- the arm 67 is expanded and contracted by the arm driving mechanism so that the end effector 66 moves linearly, and the arm 67 is rotated about its proximal end side, and the processing module is moved from the wafer storage unit 56 to the processing module. The loading of the wafer W into the 42 to 45 and the unloading of the wafer W from the processing modules 42 to 45 to the wafer storage unit 56 are performed.
- the lower limit position of the movement range of the end effector 66 is set according to the height of the wafer storage unit 56 and is substantially equal to the height of the wafer storage unit 56. Therefore, as described above, the wafer storage unit 57 can pass under the robot 53.
- the end effector 66 is moved up and down by the lifting mechanism 68 so that the gate height of the processing modules 46 to 49 matches the height of the end effector 66.
- the arm 67 extends and contracts so that the end effector 66 moves linearly by the arm driving mechanism, and the arm 67 rotates about its proximal end side, and the processing module is moved from the wafer storage unit 57 to the processing module.
- the loading of the wafer W into the 46 to 49 and the unloading of the wafer W from the processing modules 46 to 49 to the wafer storage unit 57 are performed.
- the lower limit position of the movement range of the end effector 66 is set according to the height of the wafer storage unit 57 and is substantially equal to the height of the wafer storage unit 57.
- the wafer storage unit 55 is movable in the X direction from the origin position to the front of the processing modules 38 to 41 in the X direction, and the wafer storage unit 56 is moved in the X direction from the origin position.
- the wafer storage unit 57 can move in the X direction from the origin position to the front of the processing modules 46 to 49 in the X direction.
- the lower limit position of the movement range of the end effector 66 is set according to the height of the buffer 70.
- the robot 52 the lower limit position of the movement range of the end effector 66 is set in the wafer storage unit 55.
- the lower limit position of the movement range of the end effector 66 is set according to the height of the wafer storage unit 56.
- the movement range of the end effector 66 is set. Is set in accordance with the height of the wafer storage portion 57.
- the robot 51 and the buffer 70 are associated one-to-one
- the robot 52 and the wafer storage unit 55 are associated one-to-one
- the robot 53 and the wafer storage unit 56 are associated one-to-one.
- the robot 54 and the wafer storage unit 57 can be associated with each other on a one-to-one basis. Therefore, in this embodiment, control of the work transfer system 31 is facilitated.
- the wafer storage units 55 to 57 are arranged below the robots 51 to 54 in the vertical direction, and the wafer storage unit 55 is located outside the operating range of the robots 51, 53, and 54.
- the wafer storage unit 56 moves outside the operating range of the robots 51, 52, and 54, and the wafer storage unit 57 moves outside the operating range of the robots 51 to 53. Therefore, in this embodiment, interference between the operating robot 51 and the moving wafer storage units 55 to 57 is prevented, and interference between the operating robot 52 and the moving wafer storage units 56 and 57 is prevented.
- the lower limit position of the movement range of the end effector 66 is different.
- the lower limit position of the movement range of the end effector 66 of the robot 52, the lower limit position of the movement range of the end effector 66 of the robot 53, and the lower limit position of the movement range of the end effector 66 of the robot 54 are The lower limit position of the movement range of the end effector 66 may be the same.
- an elevating mechanism that raises the wafer storage unit 55 to the lower limit of the movement range of the end effector 66 of the robot 52 is installed between the robot 51 and the robot 52, and between the robot 52 and the robot 53, A lifting mechanism for raising the wafer storage unit 56 to the lower limit of the movement range of the end effector 66 of the robot 53 is installed, and the wafer storage unit is placed between the robot 53 and the robot 54 to the lower limit of the movement range of the end effector 66 of the robot 54.
- An elevating mechanism for raising 57 may be installed. In this case, it is possible to prevent interference between the operating robots 51 to 54 and the moving wafer storage units 55 to 57. Therefore, the operation of the robots 51 to 54 and the movement of the wafer storage units 55 to 57 are performed. Can be performed simultaneously and freely, and as a result, the production efficiency of the production line 32 can be effectively improved.
- the wafer storage units 55 to 57 are arranged at the same positions as the robots 51 to 54 in the Y direction.
- the wafer storage units 55 to 57 may be arranged at positions shifted from the robots 51 to 54 in the Y direction.
- the wafer storage units 55 to 57 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction, but the wafer storage units 55 to 57 may be arranged at positions shifted from each other in the Y direction.
- wafer storage units may be arranged on both sides of the robots 51 to 54 in the Y direction.
- a buffer 70 is provided between the processing modules 34 to 37 and the EFEM 33.
- a wafer storage unit movable in the X direction may be provided instead of the buffer 70.
- the workpiece transferred by the workpiece transfer systems 1 and 31 is the wafer W.
- a work other than the wafer W such as a liquid crystal panel or a solar battery panel may be transported by the work transport systems 1 and 31.
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Abstract
Description
(ワーク搬送システムの構成)
図1は、本発明の実施の形態1にかかるワーク搬送システム1を用いた生産ライン2の構成を説明するための平面図である。図2は、図1に示す生産ライン2の構成を説明するための側面図である。
以上説明したように、本形態では、箱状等に形成されるウエハ格納部13が、原点位置と処理モジュール4、5と処理モジュール6、7との間でX方向へ移動可能となっている。そのため、本形態では、X方向へウエハWを搬送する際に、ロボット11、12と比較して重量を軽減できるウエハ格納部13をX方向へ移動させれば良い。したがって、本形態では、ウエハ格納部13の移動速度を比較的速くしても、ウエハ格納部13を安全に移動させることが可能になる。すなわち、本形態では、ウエハ格納部13の移動速度を速くして、ウエハWの搬送効率を高めることが可能になる。その結果、本形態では、生産ライン2の生産効率を改善することが可能になる。また、本形態では、ウエハ格納部13の移動速度を速くすることができるため、生産ライン2におけるウエハWの搬送距離が長い場合(すなわち、原点位置とロボット11の設置位置との距離や、ロボット11の設置位置とロボット12の設置位置との距離が長い場合)に、生産ライン2の生産効率をより高めることが可能になる。
実施の形態1では、ワーク搬送システム1は、1個のウエハ格納部13と、このウエハ格納部13をX方向へ移動させる移動機構14とを備えている。この他にもたとえば、ワーク搬送システム1は、EFEMから供給されるウエハWを処理モジュール4~7の配置位置へ搬送するための専用のウエハ格納部と、処理モジュール4~7で処理されたウエハWを処理モジュール4~7の配置位置からEFEMへ搬送するための専用のウエハ格納部との2個のウエハ格納部と、この2個のウエハ格納部のそれぞれをX方向へ移動させる2個の移動機構とを備えていても良い。また、ワーク搬送システム1は、EFEMと処理モジュール4、5の配置位置との間でウエハWを搬送するための専用のウエハ格納部と、EFEMと処理モジュール6、7の配置位置との間でウエハWを搬送するための専用のウエハ格納部との2個のウエハ格納部と、この2個のウエハ格納部のそれぞれをX方向へ移動させる2個の移動機構とを備えていても良い。また、ワーク搬送システム1は、3個以上のウエハ格納部と、3個以上のウエハ格納部のそれぞれをX方向へ移動させる3個以上の移動機構とを備えていても良い。この場合には、生産ライン2の生産効率をより高めることが可能になる。
(ワーク搬送システムの構成)
図3は、本発明の実施の形態2にかかるワーク搬送システム31を用いた生産ライン32の構成を説明するための平面図である。図4は、図3に示す生産ライン32の構成を説明するための側面図である。図5は、図4のE-E方向から生産ライン32の構成を説明するための図である。
以上説明したように、本形態では、箱状等に形成されるウエハ格納部55~57がX方向へ移動可能となっているため、実施の形態1と同様に、生産ライン32の生産効率を改善することが可能になる。
実施の形態2では、ロボット51のエンドエフェクタ66の移動範囲の下限位置と、ロボット52のエンドエフェクタ66の移動範囲の下限位置と、ロボット53のエンドエフェクタ66の移動範囲の下限位置と、ロボット54のエンドエフェクタ66の移動範囲の下限位置とが異なっている。この他にもたとえば、ロボット52のエンドエフェクタ66の移動範囲の下限位置、ロボット53のエンドエフェクタ66の移動範囲の下限位置、および、ロボット54のエンドエフェクタ66の移動範囲の下限位置が、ロボット51のエンドエフェクタ66の移動範囲の下限位置と同じであっても良い。この場合には、ロボット51とロボット52との間に、ロボット52のエンドエフェクタ66の移動範囲の下限までウエハ格納部55を上昇させる昇降機構を設置し、ロボット52とロボット53との間に、ロボット53のエンドエフェクタ66の移動範囲の下限までウエハ格納部56を上昇させる昇降機構を設置し、ロボット53とロボット54との間に、ロボット54のエンドエフェクタ66の移動範囲の下限までウエハ格納部57を上昇させる昇降機構を設置すれば良い。この場合には、動作中のロボット51~54と移動中のウエハ格納部55~57との干渉を防止することが可能になるため、ロボット51~54の動作とウエハ格納部55~57の移動とを同時にかつ自由に行うことが可能になり、その結果、生産ライン32の生産効率を効果的に改善することが可能になる。
上述した形態は、本発明の好適な形態の一例ではあるが、これに限定されるものではなく本発明の要旨を変更しない範囲において種々変形実施が可能である。
4~7、34~49 処理モジュール
11、12、51~54 ロボット
13、55~57 ウエハ格納部(ワーク格納部)
14、58~60 移動機構
66 エンドエフェクタ
68 昇降機構
W ウエハ(半導体ウエハ、ワーク)
Claims (5)
- ワークに対して所定の処理を行う処理モジュールの前方に配置され前記処理モジュールへの前記ワークの搬入および前記処理モジュールからの前記ワークの搬出を行うロボットと、前記処理モジュールへ搬入される前記ワークおよび前記処理モジュールから搬出される前記ワークが格納されるワーク格納部と、前記処理モジュールに対する前記ワークの搬入搬出方向に略直交する方向へ前記ワーク格納部を移動させる移動機構とを備えることを特徴とするワーク搬送システム。
- 前記ワーク格納部の移動方向に配列される複数の前記ロボットを備え、
前記ワーク格納部には、複数の前記ワークが格納可能となっていることを特徴とする請求項1記載のワーク搬送システム。 - 前記ワーク格納部は、前記処理モジュールに対する前記ワークの搬入搬出方向において、前記処理モジュールと前記ロボットとの間に配置されていることを特徴とする請求項1または2記載のワーク搬送システム。
- 上下方向で重なるように配置される複数の前記ワーク格納部と、複数の前記ワーク格納部のそれぞれを移動させる複数の前記搬送機構と、複数の前記ワーク格納部と同じ数以上の複数の前記ロボットとを備え、
前記ロボットは、前記ワークが搭載されるエンドエフェクタと、前記エンドエフェクタを昇降させる昇降機構とを備え、
複数の前記ロボットは、前記ワーク格納部の移動方向に配列され、
複数の前記ワーク格納部は、複数の前記ロボットの下側に配置され、
複数の前記ロボットのそれぞれに設けられた前記エンドエフェクタのそれぞれの移動範囲の下限位置は、前記ワーク格納部の移動方向において、次第に低くなるとともに、複数の前記ワーク格納部のそれぞれの高さに応じて設定されていることを特徴とする請求項1または2記載のワーク搬送システム。 - 前記ワーク格納部は、前記ロボットの下側に配置されるとともに、前記ロボットの動作範囲から外れた位置を移動することを特徴とする請求項1から4のいずれかに記載のワーク搬送システム。
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US13/982,972 US9412633B2 (en) | 2011-11-23 | 2012-11-20 | Workpiece transfer system |
KR1020147013466A KR101632518B1 (ko) | 2011-11-23 | 2012-11-20 | 워크 반송 시스템 |
KR1020167014712A KR101725745B1 (ko) | 2011-11-23 | 2012-11-20 | 워크 반송 시스템 |
CN201280055914.7A CN103930984B (zh) | 2011-11-23 | 2012-11-20 | 工件搬运*** |
TW101144039A TWI521633B (zh) | 2011-11-23 | 2012-11-23 | 工件搬送系統 |
US15/206,618 US10211079B2 (en) | 2011-11-23 | 2016-07-11 | Workpiece transfer system |
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KR101725745B1 (ko) | 2017-04-10 |
US10211079B2 (en) | 2019-02-19 |
KR20140084221A (ko) | 2014-07-04 |
US9412633B2 (en) | 2016-08-09 |
KR20160066564A (ko) | 2016-06-10 |
US20160322245A1 (en) | 2016-11-03 |
TW201331109A (zh) | 2013-08-01 |
TWI521633B (zh) | 2016-02-11 |
CN103930984B (zh) | 2016-09-21 |
CN105931980A (zh) | 2016-09-07 |
CN103930984A (zh) | 2014-07-16 |
CN105931980B (zh) | 2019-08-09 |
US20140294541A1 (en) | 2014-10-02 |
KR101632518B1 (ko) | 2016-06-21 |
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