JP2010027739A - Substrate transfer system, and substrate transfer method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To significantly shorten a transfer time (a conveying time) for transferring a substrate from a first substrate processing device 3 to a second substrate processing device 5. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of drawing arms 27 having suction pads 31 for drawing on tip end sides are arranged in a first adjacent region A1 of a system base 19 to move in the X-axis direction and be arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. A plurality of delivery arms 45 having suction pads 49 for delivery on tip end sides are arranged in a second adjacent region A2 of the system base 19 to move in the X-axis direction and be arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. A plurality of restriction rollers 63, 73 are arranged on one end side of the X-axis direction of the system base 19 to rotate around a vertical axial center and be arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction from the first adjacent region A1 to the second adjacent region A2. A plurality of press rollers 89 are arranged on other end side of the X-axis direction of the system base 19 so as to rotate around the vertical axial center and be arranged at intervals from the first adjacent region A1 to the second adjacent region A2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a substrate transfer system and substrate transfer for transferring (transferring) a substrate (thin plate substrate) such as a glass substrate from a first substrate processing apparatus to a second substrate processing apparatus spaced in the Y-axis direction from the first substrate processing apparatus. Regarding the method.

  As a prior art of a substrate transfer system used in the field of clean conveyance, there is one shown in Patent Document 1, and the configuration of the substrate transfer system according to this prior art is as follows.

  The substrate transfer system according to the prior art includes a carriage (traveling frame), and the carriage includes a first adjacent position adjacent to the first substrate processing apparatus and a second adjacent position adjacent to the second substrate processing apparatus. Can be moved in the Y-axis direction via a pair of guide rails. Further, the carriage is provided with a support table, and a plurality of receiving rollers for receiving the substrate from the first substrate processing apparatus are provided on the support table so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis. Further, the carriage is provided with a plurality of delivery arms that send out the substrate to the second substrate processing apparatus, and the plurality of delivery arms are configured to receive the substrate from a plurality of receiving rollers. A fixed frame that is a part of the first substrate processing apparatus is provided with a plurality of auxiliary rollers (sending rollers) for feeding the substrate from the first substrate processing apparatus so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis.

Accordingly, the carriage is moved in the Y-axis direction approaching the first substrate processing apparatus and is positioned at the first adjacent position. Next, the plurality of receiving rollers and the plurality of auxiliary rollers are rotated, and the substrate sent out from the first substrate processing apparatus is received by the plurality of receiving rollers. Further, the substrate is received from the plurality of receiving rollers by the plurality of delivery arms, and the carriage is moved in the Y-axis direction from the first adjacent position to the second adjacent position. Then, the substrate is sent out to the second substrate processing apparatus by a plurality of delivery arms. As described above, the substrate can be transferred (conveyed) from the first substrate processing apparatus to the second substrate processing apparatus.
JP-A-2005-64431

  As described above, in the substrate transfer system according to the prior art, in order to transfer the substrate from the first substrate processing apparatus to the second substrate processing apparatus, the carriage is moved from the first adjacent position to the second adjacent position. It is necessary to move in the Y-axis direction. On the other hand, the weight acting on the carriage (the total weight of the carriage, the support base, the plurality of receiving rollers, the delivery arm, etc.) is large, and accordingly, the movement acceleration of the carriage, in other words, the substrate transfer acceleration (conveyance) in the substrate transfer system. Acceleration) cannot be increased sufficiently. Therefore, the transfer time (transfer time) until the substrate is transferred from the first substrate processing apparatus to the second substrate processing apparatus becomes long, and productivity can be improved even if the substrate transfer system is used in a production line for products such as liquid crystal panels. There is a problem that it is difficult to improve.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a substrate transfer system and a substrate transfer method having a novel configuration that can solve the above-described problems.

  A feature of the present invention is that in the substrate transfer system for transporting the substrate in a floating state from the first substrate processing apparatus to the second substrate processing apparatus separated in the Y-axis direction from the first substrate processing apparatus, the first substrate processing apparatus A system base having a first adjacent region adjacent to the apparatus in the X-axis direction and a second adjacent region adjacent to the second substrate processing apparatus in the X-axis direction and extending in the Y-axis direction, and provided in the system base And a levitating unit that levitates the substrate to a reference levitating height position, and is movable in the X-axis direction and spaced apart in the Y-axis direction in the first adjacent region of the system base or a part of the first substrate processing apparatus. Provided in the X-axis direction, each having a suction pad for pulling out the back or front surface of the substrate on the tip side, and pulling out the substrate from the first substrate processing apparatus to the first adjacent region plural The output arm and the second adjacent region of the system base or a part of the second substrate processing apparatus are provided so as to be movable in the X-axis direction and spaced in the Y-axis direction, and extend in the X-axis direction. A plurality of delivery arms for delivering a substrate from the second adjacent region to the second substrate processing apparatus, respectively, and an X axis of the system base. A plurality of regulating rollers which are rotatable about a vertical axis on one end side in the direction and are spaced from each other in the Y-axis direction from the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region, and the X-axis direction of the system base The first end of the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region with an interval in the Y-axis direction, each being movable in the X-axis direction, The regulation A plurality of pressing rollers that sandwich both end faces of the substrate in the X-axis direction in cooperation with the roller, and the first substrate processing apparatus side of the plurality of regulating rollers and the plurality of pressing rollers The gist is that the roller closer to the second substrate processing apparatus and the roller closer to the second substrate processing apparatus are configured to be able to appear and retract with respect to the reference flying height position.

  In the claims and specification of the present application, “provided” means not only directly provided but also indirectly provided via an interposition member. The “first substrate processing apparatus” and the “second substrate processing apparatus” are apparatuses that perform processing such as storage processing, process processing, and transport processing on the substrate. Processing, PVD processing and the like.

  According to the first feature, the plurality of extraction arms are moved in the X-axis direction approaching the port of the first substrate processing apparatus, and are moved to a predetermined position of the first substrate processing apparatus by the plurality of extraction suction pads. The rear surface or the front surface of the positioned substrate is adsorbed. In addition, a roller closer to the first substrate processing apparatus is immersed in the reference flying height position. Then, while the levitation unit is operated (the levitation operation), a plurality of the extraction arms are moved in the X-axis direction away from the port of the first substrate processing apparatus, and the first adjacent processing apparatus moves from the first substrate processing apparatus to the first adjacent area. Pull the substrate into the area.

  After the substrate is pulled out from the first substrate processing apparatus to the first adjacent region, a roller closer to the first substrate processing apparatus is protruded with respect to the reference flying height position, and a plurality of press rollers are arranged on the X axis. The both end surfaces of the substrate on the X-axis direction side are clamped by the plurality of pressing rollers and the plurality of regulating rollers. Further, the suction state by the plurality of suction pads for drawing is released. Then, the plurality of regulating rollers and the plurality of pressing rollers are rotated to convey the substrate from the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region.

  After the substrate is transported from the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region, the back surface or front surface of the substrate is sucked by the plurality of sending suction pads separated in the X-axis direction to the port of the second substrate processing apparatus. The plurality of pressing rollers are moved to the other side in the X-axis direction to release the sandwiched state between the plurality of pressing rollers and the plurality of regulating rollers. Further, the roller closer to the second substrate processing apparatus is immersed in the reference flying height position. Then, the plurality of delivery arms are moved in the X-axis direction approaching the port of the second substrate processing apparatus, and the substrate is sent out from the second adjacent region to the second substrate processing apparatus, so that a plurality of the delivery arms are provided. Release the suction state by the suction pad.

  As described above, the substrate can be transferred from the first substrate processing apparatus to the second substrate processing apparatus in a floating state.

  In short, by moving the plurality of drawing arms and the plurality of delivery arms in the X-axis direction or rotating the plurality of pressing rollers and the plurality of regulating rollers, the first without using a carriage. The substrate can be transferred from the substrate processing apparatus to the second substrate processing apparatus in a floating state. Further, the back surface or the front surface of the substrate is adsorbed by the extraction suction pad and the delivery suction pad, so that the slip between the substrate and the extraction arm and the slip between the substrate and the delivery arm during the transfer of the substrate are almost eliminated. In addition, the both ends of the substrate in the X-axis direction are sandwiched between the plurality of pressing rollers and the plurality of regulating rollers, thereby allowing the substrate and the pressing roller to slip during the transfer of the substrate. Slip between rollers can be reduced as much as possible. Thereby, the substrate transfer speed (transport speed) and the transport acceleration (transport acceleration) in the substrate transport system can be sufficiently increased.

  A plurality of the regulating rollers are provided at one end side in the X-axis direction of the system base at intervals in the Y-axis direction from the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region, and the other end of the system base in the X-axis direction Since the plurality of pressing rollers are provided on the side from the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region at intervals in the Y-axis direction, the Y-axis direction between the first adjacent region and the second adjacent region is provided. The substrate can be transferred from the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region in a floating state regardless of the distance between the first adjacent region and the second adjacent region.

  The second feature of the present invention is that the substrate is floated from the first substrate processing apparatus to the second substrate processing apparatus separated from the first substrate processing apparatus in the Y-axis direction by using the substrate transfer system according to the first feature. In the substrate transfer method of transporting in a state of being moved, a plurality of extraction arms are moved in the X-axis direction approaching the port of the first substrate processing apparatus, and a predetermined number of the first substrate processing apparatus is determined by the plurality of extraction suction pads. A first step of adsorbing a back surface or a front surface of the substrate located at the position and immersing a roller closer to the first substrate processing apparatus with respect to a reference flying height position; and after the completion of the first step, a floating unit While moving (floating operation), the plurality of extraction arms are moved in the X-axis direction away from the port of the first substrate processing apparatus, and the substrate is pulled from the first substrate processing apparatus to the first adjacent region. After the completion of the second step and the second step, a roller closer to the first substrate processing apparatus is protruded with respect to the reference flying height position, and a plurality of pressing rollers are moved to one side in the X-axis direction. A third step of moving and sandwiching both end faces of the substrate in the X-axis direction by the plurality of pressing rollers and the plurality of regulating rollers, and releasing the suction state by the plurality of pull-out suction pads; and the third step A fourth step of rotating the plurality of regulating rollers and the plurality of pressing rollers and transporting the substrate from the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region after the completion of the step, and the fourth step After completion of the step, the back surface or the front surface of the substrate is sucked to the port of the second substrate processing apparatus by the plurality of feeding suction pads separated in the X-axis direction, and the plurality of press rollers are moved to the other side in the X-axis direction. A fifth step of releasing the clamping state between the plurality of pressing rollers and the plurality of regulating rollers, and further immersing a roller closer to the second substrate processing apparatus with respect to the reference flying height position; After completion of the fifth step, the plurality of delivery arms are moved in the X-axis direction approaching the port of the second substrate processing apparatus, and the substrate is sent out from the second adjacent region to the second substrate processing apparatus, And a sixth step of releasing the suction state by the plurality of suction pads for extraction.

  According to the 2nd characteristic, there exists an effect | action similar to the effect | action by a 1st characteristic.

  According to the present invention, since the transfer speed and transfer acceleration of the substrate in the substrate transfer system can be sufficiently increased, the transfer time (from the first substrate processing apparatus to the second substrate processing apparatus) until the substrate is transferred ( Transport time) can be greatly shortened, and when the substrate transfer system is used in a product production line, productivity can be sufficiently improved.

  Further, the substrate can be transferred from the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region in a floating state regardless of the distance in the Y-axis direction between the first adjacent region and the second adjacent region. Therefore, the space in the Y-axis direction between the first substrate processing apparatus and the second substrate processing apparatus can be reduced, and the factory space can be effectively used.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a substrate transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is III-III in FIG. 4 is a view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a view taken along line VV in FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 7 and 10 are diagrams for explaining a substrate transfer method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the substrate transfer system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention transfers a glass substrate from a first substrate processing apparatus 3 to a second substrate processing apparatus 5 that is separated from the first substrate processing apparatus 3 in the Y-axis direction. This is a system for transporting (transferring) a substrate (thin substrate) W such as a floating surface. Before describing the specific configuration of the substrate transfer system 1, the configurations of the first substrate processing apparatus 3 and the second substrate processing apparatus 5 will be briefly described.

  The first substrate processing apparatus 3 is an apparatus that performs storage processing on the substrate W, and includes an apparatus main body (apparatus frame) 7. Further, the apparatus main body 7 is provided with a known storage cage 9 as shown in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 11-79388 and 2005-64431, which can be moved up and down. And a plurality of storage sections (not shown) that can be sequentially positioned from the bottom storage section to a take-out height position where the substrate W can be taken out. Further, the apparatus main body 7 is provided with a plurality of floating units 11 for floating the substrate W to the reference floating height position (see FIG. 2) in the storage portion positioned at the take-out height position. On the upper surface, a plurality of hole-shaped nozzles 11n for ejecting air are formed.

  Similar to the first substrate processing apparatus 3, the second substrate processing apparatus 5 is an apparatus that performs storage processing on the substrate W, and includes an apparatus main body (apparatus frame) 13. In addition, the apparatus main body 13 is provided with a storage cage 15 that can be moved up and down. Like the storage cage 9, the storage cage 15 has a plurality of storage portions (not shown) that can store the substrates W. Therefore, it is configured so that the substrate W can be sequentially positioned from the uppermost storage portion to the take-in height position where the substrate W can be taken. Further, the apparatus main body 13 is provided with a plurality of floating units 17 for floating the substrate W to the reference floating height position in the storage portion positioned at the intake height position. A plurality of hole-like nozzles 17n for ejecting air are formed.

  The first substrate processing apparatus 3 and the second substrate processing apparatus 5 may be apparatuses that perform processing such as process processing and transfer processing on the substrate W instead of performing storage processing on the substrate W. Absent.

  Next, a specific configuration of the substrate transfer system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The substrate transfer system 1 includes a system base (system main body) 19 extending in the Y-axis direction. The system base 19 includes a first adjacent region A1 adjacent to the first substrate processing apparatus 3 in the X-axis direction, The second substrate processing apparatus 5 includes a second adjacent region A2 adjacent in the X-axis direction, and an intermediate region Am located between the first adjacent region A1 and the second adjacent region A2. The system base 19 may be composed of a plurality of fixed frames arranged in the Y-axis direction.

  The system base 19 is provided with a plurality of levitation units 21 that float the substrate W to the reference levitation height position by air pressure along the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. A plurality of hole-shaped nozzles 21n for ejecting air are respectively formed. Instead of forming a plurality of hole-shaped nozzles 21n on the upper surface of each floating unit 21, as shown in JP-A-2006-182563, a frame-like shape that is inclined toward the center of the unit with respect to the vertical direction. A nozzle may be formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 1, a pair of support brackets 23 extending in the X-axis direction are provided in the first adjacent region A <b> 1 of the system base 19 so as to be separated from each other in the Y-axis direction. The X-axis slider 25 is provided so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. Each X-axis slider 25 is provided with a pull-out arm 27 that pulls out the substrate W from the first substrate processing apparatus 3 to the first adjacent area A1 through a lifting guide mechanism 29. In other words, in the first adjacent region A1 of the system base 19, the pair of pull-out arms 27 can move in the X-axis direction via the support bracket 23 and the like, can be moved up and down, and are separated in the Y-axis direction (Y-axis direction). At intervals). Each drawing arm 27 extends in the X-axis direction, and has a drawing suction pad 31 for sucking the back surface of the substrate W on the tip side (one end side in the X-axis direction). Further, each X-axis slider 25 is provided with a drawer arm raising / lowering air cylinder (an example of a drawer arm raising / lowering actuator) 33 for raising and lowering the corresponding drawer arm 27.

  Each support bracket 23 is provided with an endless timing belt 35 extending in the X-axis direction so as to be able to travel via a plurality of pulleys 37, and each X-axis slider 25 has a corresponding timing belt 35. Are respectively connected to appropriate positions. At an appropriate position of one of the support brackets 23, a drawer arm movement motor (an example of a drawer arm movement actuator) 39 that moves the pair of drawer arms 27 in the X axis direction integrally with the X axis slider 25 is provided. The output arm (not shown) of the drawer arm moving motor 39 is linked to a pair of timing belts 35 via a connecting mechanism (not shown).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 1, a pair of support brackets 41 extending in the X-axis direction are provided in the second adjacent region A <b> 2 of the system base 19 so as to be separated from each other in the Y-axis direction. The X-axis slider 43 is provided so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. Each X-axis slider 43 is provided with a delivery arm 45 for sending the substrate W from the second adjacent region A2 to the second substrate processing apparatus 5 so as to be lifted and lowered via a lifting guide mechanism 47. In other words, in the second adjacent region A2 of the system base 19, the pair of delivery arms 45 can move in the X-axis direction via the support bracket 41 and the like, can be moved up and down, and are separated in the Y-axis direction (Y-axis direction). At intervals). Each delivery arm 45 extends in the X-axis direction, and has a delivery suction pad 49 for sucking the back surface of the substrate W on the distal end side (one end side in the X-axis direction). Further, each X-axis slider 43 is provided with a delivery arm raising / lowering air cylinder (an example of a delivery arm raising / lowering actuator) 51 for raising and lowering the delivery arm 45 in a corresponding relationship.

  Each support bracket 41 is provided with an endless timing belt 53 extending in the X-axis direction so as to be able to travel via a plurality of pulleys 55, and each X-axis slider 43 has a corresponding timing belt 53. Are respectively connected to appropriate positions. A feeding arm moving motor (an example of a sending arm moving actuator) 57 for moving the pair of sending arms 45 in the X axis direction integrally with the X axis slider 43 is provided at an appropriate position of one support bracket 41. The output shaft (not shown) of the delivery arm moving motor 57 is linked to a pair of timing belts 53 via a connecting mechanism (not shown).

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 1, a first elevating bar 59 is provided on one end side in the X-axis direction of the system base 19 so as to be movable up and down via a pair of elevating guide mechanisms 61. The bar 59 extends in the Y-axis direction from the first adjacent area A1 along the intermediate area Am. The first elevating bar 59 is provided with a plurality of first regulating rollers 63 (regulating rollers closer to the first substrate processing apparatus 3) that are rotatable about a vertical axis and spaced in the Y-axis direction. ing. In other words, on one end side of the system base 19 in the X-axis direction, a plurality of first restriction rollers 63 can rotate around a vertical axis via the pair of first elevating bars 59 and the like, and the first adjacent region A1. To the intermediate area Am with an interval in the Y-axis direction, and each first regulating roller 63 is configured to be able to appear and retract with respect to the reference flying height position by raising and lowering the first raising and lowering bar 59. . A first roller rotating motor (an example of a first roller rotating actuator) 65 that rotates the plurality of first regulating rollers 63 in synchronization is provided at an appropriate position of the first elevating bar 59. The output shaft (not shown) of the first roller rotating motor 65 is linked to the rotating shafts of the plurality of first restricting rollers 63 via a connecting mechanism (not shown), and each first restricting roller 63 is , Each is a drive roller. Furthermore, a pair of first roller retracting air cylinders (an example of a first roller retracting actuator) 67 that causes the plurality of first restricting rollers 63 to project and retract with respect to the reference flying height position are disposed at appropriate positions of the system base 19. Is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 1, a second elevating bar 69 is provided on one end side in the X-axis direction of the system base 19 so as to be elevable via a pair of elevating guide mechanisms 71. The bar 69 extends in the Y-axis direction along the second adjacent area A2 from the intermediate area Am. The second elevating bar 69 is provided with a plurality of second regulating rollers 73 (regulating rollers closer to the second substrate processing apparatus 5) that are rotatable around a vertical axis and spaced in the Y-axis direction. ing. In other words, on the one end side in the X-axis direction of the system base 19, a plurality of second regulating rollers 73 can rotate around the vertical axis via the pair of second elevating bars 69 and the like from the intermediate area Am. 2 is provided at an interval in the Y-axis direction over the adjacent area A2, and each second regulating roller 73 is configured to be able to appear and retract with respect to the reference flying height position by raising and lowering the second raising and lowering bar 69. . A second roller rotating motor (an example of a second roller rotating actuator) 75 that rotates the plurality of second regulating rollers 73 in synchronization is provided at an appropriate position of the second elevating bar 69. The output shaft (not shown) of the second roller rotating motor 75 is linked to the rotating shafts of the plurality of second restricting rollers 73 via a connecting mechanism (not shown), and each second restricting roller 73 is , Each is a drive roller. Further, a pair of second roller retracting air cylinders (an example of a second roller retracting actuator) 77 for projecting and retracting the plurality of second restricting rollers 73 with respect to the reference flying height position are provided at appropriate positions of the system base 19. Is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 1, a plurality of brackets 79 are provided on the other end side in the X-axis direction of the system base 19 at intervals in the Y-axis direction from the first adjacent region A1 to the second adjacent region A2. Each bracket 79 is provided with a roller moving air cylinder 81 (an example of a roller moving actuator) 81. Each roller moving air cylinder 81 includes a cylinder body 83 fixed to the system base 19 and a piston rod 85 provided on the cylinder body 83 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. A roller support member 87 is provided in each cylinder moving body 83 of each roller moving air cylinder 81 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. The tip of the piston rod 85 in each roller moving air cylinder 81 is The corresponding roller support members 87 are connected to appropriate positions. Further, each roller support member 87 is provided with a presser roller 89 that presses one end surface of the substrate W on the X-axis direction side so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis, and each presser roller 89 is free. It is a roller.

  That is, on the other end side of the system base 19 in the X-axis direction, a plurality of press rollers 89 can rotate around a vertical axis via a plurality of brackets 79 and the like, and can be rotated from the first adjacent region A1 to the second adjacent region A2. Are provided at intervals in the Y-axis direction. Each presser roller 89 moves in the X-axis direction by driving the corresponding roller moving air cylinder 81. The plurality of presser rollers 89 include a plurality of restricting rollers (a plurality of first restricting rollers 63). In addition, both end surfaces of the substrate W on the X-axis direction side are sandwiched in cooperation with the plurality of second regulating rollers 73).

  Subsequently, a substrate transfer method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The substrate transfer method according to the embodiment of the present invention is a method of transferring (transferring) a substrate (substrate substrate) W such as a glass substrate from the first substrate processing apparatus 3 to the second substrate processing apparatus 5 in a floating state. The first step to the sixth step are provided. And the concrete content of each step of the board | substrate transfer method concerning embodiment of this invention is as follows.

(i) First Step As shown in FIG. 7, the pair of extraction arms 27 are brought close to the port 3p of the first substrate processing apparatus 3 by driving the extraction arm moving motor 39 (one side in the X axis direction). ), The pair of extraction suction pads 31 are positioned below the substrate W positioned at a predetermined position of the first substrate processing apparatus 3 (the storage portion of the storage cage 9 positioned at the extraction position). Then, the pair of drawer arms 27 are raised by driving the pair of drawer arm lifting / lowering air cylinders 33 so that the suction surfaces of the pair of drawer suction pads 31 are positioned at the reference floating height position. The back surface of the substrate W is sucked by the suction pad 31. Further, the plurality of first regulating rollers 63 are made to be immersed in the reference flying height position by driving the pair of first roller retracting air cylinders 67.

  In addition, before moving a pair of extraction arm 27 to the X-axis direction which approaches the port 3p of the 1st substrate processing apparatus 3, air is ejected from the nozzle 11n of the several levitation unit 11. FIG.

(ii) Second Step After the completion of the first step, the pair of extraction arms 27 is moved to the first substrate processing apparatus 3 by driving the extraction arm moving motor 39 while ejecting air from the nozzles 21n of the plurality of floating units 21. By moving in the X-axis direction (the other side in the X-axis direction) away from the port 3p, the substrate W is floated from the first substrate processing apparatus 3 to the first adjacent region A1, as shown in FIG. Pull out.

(iii) Third Step After the completion of the second step, the plurality of first restricting rollers 63 are caused to protrude with respect to the reference flying height position by driving the pair of first roller retracting air cylinders 67 to move the plurality of rollers. The plurality of presser rollers 89 are moved to one side in the X-axis direction by driving the air cylinder 81, so that both end surfaces of the substrate W on the X-axis direction side are moved by the plurality of presser rollers 89 and the plurality of regulating rollers 63 and 73. Hold it. Further, the suction state by the pair of pull-out suction pads 31 is released, and the pair of pull-out arms 27 are lowered by driving the pair of pull-out arm raising / lowering air cylinders 33.

(iv) Fourth Step After the completion of the third step, a plurality of first rollers are driven by driving the first roller rotating motor 65 and the second roller rotating motor 75 while ejecting air from the nozzles 21n of the plurality of floating units 21. By rotating the regulating roller 63 and the plurality of second regulating rollers 73 and rotating the plurality of presser rollers 89 together (rotating in conjunction with each other), as shown in FIG. 9, from the first adjacent area A1 to the second adjacent area. The substrate W is transported to the area A2 while being floated.

(v) Fifth Step After the completion of the fourth step, the suction surfaces of the pair of delivery suction pads separated from the port 5p of the second substrate processing apparatus 5 in the X-axis direction are positioned at the reference flying height position. The pair of delivery arms 45 is raised by driving the pair of delivery arm raising / lowering air cylinders 51, and the back surface of the substrate W is adsorbed by the pair of delivery suction pads 49. The plurality of presser rollers 89 are moved to the other side in the X-axis direction by driving the plurality of roller moving air cylinders 81, thereby releasing the clamping state between the plurality of presser rollers 89 and the plurality of regulating rollers 63 and 73. . Further, the plurality of second restriction rollers 73 are made to be immersed in the reference flying height position by driving the pair of second roller retracting air cylinders 77.

(vi) Sixth Step After the fifth step, the pair of delivery arms 45 of the second substrate processing apparatus 5 is moved by driving the delivery arm moving motor 57 while ejecting air from the nozzles 21n of the plurality of floating units 21. By moving in the X-axis direction approaching the port 5p, as shown in FIG. 10, a predetermined position of the second substrate processing apparatus 5 from the second adjacent region A2 (the storage portion of the storage cage 15 positioned at the take-in position). The substrate W positioned at is sent out. Then, the suction state by the delivery suction pad 49 is released, and the pair of delivery arms 45 are lowered by driving the delivery arm elevating air cylinder 51.

  Before the pair of delivery arms 45 are moved in the X-axis direction approaching the port 5p of the second substrate processing apparatus 5 by driving the delivery arm moving motor 57, air is ejected from the nozzles 17n of the plurality of floating units 17. Let me.

  As described above, the substrate W can be transferred from the predetermined position of the first substrate processing apparatus 3 to the predetermined position of the second substrate processing apparatus 5 in a floating state.

  Then, the effect | action and effect of embodiment of this invention are demonstrated.

  In short, the plurality of drawer arms 27 and the plurality of delivery arms 45 are moved in the X-axis direction, or the plurality of presser rollers 89 and the plurality of regulating rollers (the plurality of first regulating rollers 63 and the plurality of second regulating rollers 73) are moved. By rotating the substrate W, the substrate W can be transferred from the first substrate processing apparatus 3 to the second substrate processing apparatus 5 without using a carriage.

  Further, by adsorbing the back surface of the substrate W by the extraction suction pad 31 and the delivery suction pad 49, the slip between the substrate W and the extraction arm 27 and the slip between the substrate W and the delivery arm 45 during the transfer of the substrate W are prevented. It can be almost eliminated, and the both ends of the substrate W on the X-axis direction side are sandwiched between the plurality of pressing rollers 89 and the plurality of regulating rollers 63 and 73, so that the distance between the substrate W and the pressing roller 89 during the transfer of the substrate W is reached. And the slip between the substrate W and the regulating rollers 63 and 73 can be reduced as much as possible. Thereby, the transfer speed (transfer speed) and transfer acceleration (transfer acceleration) of the substrate W in the substrate transfer system 1 can be sufficiently increased.

  A plurality of regulating rollers 63 and 73 are provided at one end side in the X-axis direction of the system base 19 from the first adjacent region A1 to the second adjacent region A2 at intervals in the Y-axis direction. Since the plurality of presser rollers 89 are provided on the other end side from the first adjacent region A1 to the second adjacent region A2 at intervals in the Y-axis direction, the length of the intermediate region Am in the Y-axis direction is increased or decreased (first The substrate W can be transferred from the first adjacent area A1 to the second adjacent area A2 regardless of the size of the interval in the Y-axis direction between the first adjacent area A1 and the second adjacent area A2.

  Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the transfer speed and transfer acceleration of the substrate W in the substrate transfer system 1 can be sufficiently increased, the substrate is transferred from the first substrate processing apparatus 3 to the second substrate processing apparatus 5. The transfer time (conveyance time) until this can be greatly shortened, and when the substrate transfer system 1 is used in a production line of a product such as a liquid crystal panel, the productivity can be sufficiently improved.

  In addition, the first substrate processing apparatus can transfer the substrate W from the first adjacent region A1 to the second adjacent region A2 regardless of the length of the intermediate region Am in the Y-axis direction. 3. The space in the Y-axis direction between the second and second substrate processing apparatuses 5 can be reduced, so that the factory space can be effectively used.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiment, and for example, various modifications can be made as follows.

  That is, instead of using the regulating rollers 63 and 73 as driving rollers and the pressing roller 83 as free rollers, the regulating rollers 63 and 73 are used as free rollers and the pressing roller 83 is used as a driving roller, or the regulating rollers 63 and 73 and the pressing rollers are used. The roller 83 may be a driving roller. Further, instead of including one set of the substrate transfer system 1, the first substrate processing apparatus 3, and the second substrate processing apparatus 5, the substrate transfer system 1, the first substrate processing apparatus 3, and the second substrate processing apparatus 5 are arranged in the Y-axis direction. The substrate transfer system group may be configured by providing a plurality of sets along the line. Further, instead of shifting from the first step to the sixth step, the substrate W is moved from the predetermined position of the second substrate processing apparatus 5 to the predetermined position of the first substrate processing apparatus 3 by shifting from the sixth step to the first step. It may be transferred in a state where it is levitated.

  The scope of rights encompassed by the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

1 is a schematic plan view of a substrate transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure along the II-II line in FIG. FIG. 3 is a view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1. It is the figure along the VV line in FIG. It is the figure along the VI-VI line in FIG. It is a figure explaining the board | substrate transfer method which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the board | substrate transfer method which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the board | substrate transfer method which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the board | substrate transfer method which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

W substrate A1 first adjacent area A2 second adjacent area Am intermediate area 1 substrate transfer system 3 first substrate processing apparatus 5 second substrate processing apparatus 19 system base 21 floating unit 21n nozzle 27 extraction arm 31 extraction suction pad 39 extraction arm Moving motor 45 Sending arm 49 Sending suction pad 57 Sending arm moving motor 63 First restricting roller 65 First roller rotating motor 67 First roller retracting air cylinder 73 Second restricting roller 75 Second roller rotating motor 77 Second cylinder retracting air cylinder 81 Roller moving air cylinder 89 Presser roller

Claims (3)

In the substrate transfer system for transferring the substrate from the first substrate processing apparatus to the second substrate processing apparatus separated in the Y-axis direction from the first substrate processing apparatus in a floating state,
A system base having a first adjacent region adjacent to the first substrate processing apparatus in the X-axis direction and a second adjacent region adjacent to the second substrate processing apparatus in the X-axis direction and extending in the Y-axis direction;
A levitation unit provided in the system base and levitating the substrate to a reference levitation height position;
The first adjacent region of the system base or a part of the first substrate processing apparatus is provided so as to be movable in the X-axis direction and spaced in the Y-axis direction. A plurality of pull-out arms for pulling out the substrate from the first substrate processing apparatus to the first adjacent region, respectively,
Provided in the second adjacent region of the system base or a part of the second substrate processing apparatus, is movable in the X-axis direction and spaced in the Y-axis direction, and extends in the X-axis direction. A plurality of delivery arms for delivering the substrate from the second adjacent region to the second substrate processing apparatus, respectively,
A plurality of regulating rollers that are rotatable about a vertical axis on one end side in the X-axis direction of the system base and that are spaced from each other in the Y-axis direction from the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region;
The other end of the system base in the X-axis direction can be rotated around a vertical axis and provided in the Y-axis direction from the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region, and each moves in the X-axis direction. A plurality of presser rollers that can cooperate with a plurality of the regulating rollers and sandwich both end faces on the X-axis direction side of the substrate;
Among the plurality of regulating rollers and the plurality of pressing rollers, the roller closer to the first substrate processing apparatus and the roller closer to the second substrate processing apparatus are configured to be able to appear and retract with respect to the reference flying height position. A substrate transfer system. A drawer arm moving actuator that moves the plurality of drawer arms in the X-axis direction;
A delivery arm moving actuator for moving the plurality of delivery arms in the X-axis direction;
A roller moving actuator for moving the plurality of presser rollers in the X-axis direction;
A roller rotating actuator for rotating the plurality of regulating rollers and / or the plurality of pressing rollers;
A first roller retracting actuator for retracting the roller closer to the first substrate processing apparatus relative to the reference flying height position;
A substrate transfer system, comprising: a second roller retracting actuator for retracting a roller closer to the second substrate processing apparatus relative to the reference flying height position. A substrate transfer method for transporting a substrate in a floated state from the first substrate processing apparatus to a second substrate processing apparatus separated in the Y-axis direction from the first substrate processing apparatus to the first substrate processing apparatus using the substrate transfer system according to claim 1. In
A plurality of extraction arms are moved in the X-axis direction approaching the port of the first substrate processing apparatus, and a back surface or a front surface of the substrate positioned at a predetermined position of the first substrate processing apparatus is adsorbed by a plurality of extraction suction pads. And a first step of immersing a roller closer to the first substrate processing apparatus with respect to a reference flying height position;
After completion of the first step, while moving the floating unit, the plurality of the extraction arms are moved in the X-axis direction away from the port of the first substrate processing apparatus, and the first substrate processing apparatus moves the first A second step of pulling the substrate into the adjacent area;
After completion of the second step, a roller closer to the first substrate processing apparatus is protruded with respect to the reference flying height position, and a plurality of pressing rollers are moved to one side in the X-axis direction. A third step of sandwiching both end faces of the substrate on the X-axis direction side by the pressing roller and the plurality of regulating rollers, and releasing the suction state by the plurality of pull-out suction pads;
A fourth step of rotating the plurality of regulating rollers and the plurality of pressing rollers after completion of the third step to convey the substrate from the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region;
After completion of the fourth step, the back surface or the front surface of the substrate is sucked to the port of the second substrate processing apparatus by the plurality of feeding suction pads separated in the X-axis direction, and the plurality of press rollers are moved to the other side in the X-axis direction. A fifth step of releasing the nipping state between the plurality of pressing rollers and the plurality of regulating rollers and immersing a roller closer to the second substrate processing apparatus with respect to the reference flying height position. When,
After completion of the fifth step, the plurality of delivery arms are moved in the X-axis direction approaching the port of the second substrate processing apparatus, and the substrate is sent out from the second adjacent region to the second substrate processing apparatus, A substrate transfer method comprising: a sixth step of releasing a suction state by the plurality of suction pads for extraction.

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