Door and substrate carrier with latch stabilization mechanism

Abstract

To provide a door and a substrate carrier with a latch stabilization mechanism.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a door suitable for a substrate carrier and equipped with a latch stabilizing mechanism. The door includes a bottom plate, a sealing cover, and a limiting structure. The bottom plate and the sealing cover are combined with each other to form an accommodating space for accommodating a plurality of latch structures each of which is configured to move between an unlocked position and a locked position. The limiting structure is interposed between the latch structures and the sealing cover, and provides elastic force according to the degree of movement of the latch structures between the unlocked position and the locked position, and displaces the latch structure in height in the horizontal direction through the elastic force. The structural design and configuration of the present invention can prevent the substrate carrier from being damaged by collision or from falling off due to the door not being able to be opened or closed smoothly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to doors and substrate carriers with latches, and more particularly to doors and substrate carriers with latch stabilization mechanisms. [Background technology]

[0002] FIG. 1 shows a conventional substrate carrier 10, such as a Front Opening Shipping Box (FOSB) or a Front Opening Unified Pod (FOUP). The substrate carrier 10 includes a housing 11 having a normally open end 12 and a door 20. The door 20 has a plurality of latch structures 21 (FIG. 2) disposed therein, and the plurality of latch structures 21 can move between an unlocked position and a locked position via a rotating cam (not shown). When the plurality of latch structures 21 are in the unlocked position, the entire plurality of latch structures 21 can be retracted into the door 20, allowing the door 20 to be inserted into or removed from the open end 12 of the housing 11. When the plurality of latch structures 21 are in the locked position, the ends 24 of the plurality of latch structures 21 protrude from the outside of the door 20 and engage with the plurality of latch portions 14 (grooves) provided on the inside of the open end 12, thereby forming a storage space 13 for accommodating a plurality of boards.

[0003] 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a conventional door 20. The door 20 includes a sealing cover 22 and a bottom plate 23, which are coupled to each other to form an accommodating space S1 for accommodating a plurality of latch structures 21 and the rotating cam. The door 20 has a side wall extending from the periphery of the bottom plate 23 toward the sealing cover 22, which has a plurality of openings OP, each corresponding to one latch structure 21, allowing an end 24 of the latch structure 21 to protrude from the accommodating space S1 to the outside of the door 20 in the locked position and to retract from the accommodating space S1 to the inside of the door 20 in the unlocked position.

[0004] In the conventional substrate carrier 10 described above, slight manufacturing tolerances exist in the latch structure 21 of the door 20 or the latch portion 14 of the housing 11, and therefore, when the latch structure 21, the sealing cover 22, and the bottom plate 23 cooperate with each other to cause a tilt angle θ° when the latch structure 21 operates (i.e., when the latch structure 21 moves between the unlocked position and the locked position), and the tilt angle θ° occurs when the end of the latch structure 21 rapidly protrudes outward from the opening OP of the door 20 as the cam rotates. If the tilt angle θ is too large, the latch structure 21 will not be able to align with the latch portion 14 of the housing 11, and the tilted end 24 of the latch structure 21 will likely collide with the structure around the latch portion 11. Not only do particles occur due to the impact, but the tilt angle θ° associated with operation causes the end 24 of the latch structure 21 to come into contact with the outer edge of the latch portion 14 or the opening OP of the door 20, which causes the end 24 to either extend smoothly to the latch portion 14 of the housing 11 or become unable to come out of the latch portion 14, creating a risk of the door 20 falling off the housing 11.

[0005] In short, the defect of the prior art is that due to the tolerance problem between the substrate carrier 10 and the latch structure 21, the latch structure 21 may be inappropriately tilted relative to the sealing cover 2 or bottom plate 23 of the door 20, and a large tilt angle θ° may occur due to sudden movement during the operation process, making the latch operation unsmooth, making the door 20 of the substrate carrier 10 difficult to open or close, and even causing it to fall off. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a door suitable for a substrate carrier and equipped with a latch stabilizing mechanism, the door including a bottom plate and a sealing cover that combine to form an accommodating space for accommodating a plurality of latch structures, each of which is configured to move between an unlocked position and a locked position, and a limiting structure interposed between the latch structures and the sealing cover, which applies elastic force according to the degree of movement of the latch structures between the unlocked position and the locked position, and displaces the latch structures in a horizontal height via the elastic force.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a substrate carrier including the door and a housing as described above, which is coupled to the door via the latch structure to form a storage space for accommodating a substrate.

[0008] In a specific embodiment, a plurality of support posts are disposed between the bottom plate and the sealing cover, and the limiting structure includes a fixing portion into which one of the plurality of support posts is fitted, and an elastic leg extending from the fixing portion and abutting against the latch structure.

[0009] In a specific embodiment, the limiting structure is connected to the inner wall of the sealing cover and includes a fixed part and an elastic leg, both ends of the fixed part are respectively connected to the inner wall of the sealing cover and the elastic leg, and the elastic leg extends from one end of the fixed part and abuts against the latch structure.

[0010] In a specific embodiment, the sealing cover has a plurality of through holes, and the limiting structure includes elastic legs coupled to the inner walls of the through holes and abutting against the latching structure.

[0011] In a specific embodiment, the end of the resilient leg has a curved portion, the bottom of which abuts against the latch structure.

[0012] In a specific embodiment, the end of the curved portion has a rising portion that is spaced apart from the fixed portion.

[0013] In a specific embodiment, the width of the end of the resilient leg is configured to be smaller than the width of the end of the latch mechanism.

[0014] In a specific embodiment, the elastic legs have extensions and ends extending from the fixed portions and having continuously varying widths and lengths, the width of the ends being greater than the width of the extensions.

[0015] In a specific embodiment, the fixing portion has a plurality of protrusions and contacts the inner wall of the sealing cover through the plurality of protrusions.

[0016] In a specific embodiment, the limiting structure extends from the sealing cover or the bottom plate toward a latch hole defined in a side of the door.

[0017] In a specific embodiment, each of the latch structures includes a plurality of stopper portions, and a plurality of support posts are disposed on the bottom plate, each of the support posts being connected to a respective one of the stopper portions to limit displacement, and when the latch structure is moved, the plurality of support posts limit the linear displacement of the plurality of stopper portions, thereby defining the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0018] In a specific embodiment, the limiting structure extends from the top side of the latch structure toward the unlocked position and the locked position, and an end of the limiting structure abuts against the inner wall of the sealing cover that it faces, and the latch structure has a buffer portion that accommodates a part of the limiting structure when the limiting structure abuts against the inner wall of the sealing cover and is elastically deformed, thereby preventing the limiting structure from contacting the latch structure and causing friction.

[0019] In a specific embodiment, the housing of the substrate carrier has an open end, and a plurality of latch portions are provided inside the open end, the plurality of latch portions have a structural design that is compatible with the plurality of latch structures, the ends of the plurality of latch structures correspond to the positions of the plurality of latch portions, and the latch structures are in the unlocked position or the locked position throughout their movement states.

[0020] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the following drawings and description, in which non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, in which components are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are instead drawn with the focus being on explaining the structure and principles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional substrate carrier. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a door of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded view of a door according to the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a structural diagram showing the inside of a door of the present invention (sealing cover not shown). [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the limiting structure of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the limiting structure of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is an enlarged three-dimensional view showing a portion B of FIG. 5. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the latch structure in an unlocked position. [Figure 10] 10A-10C illustrate the latch structure between the unlocked and locked positions. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the latch structure in a locked position. [Figure 12] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a door according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view showing a latch structure and a limiting structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a door according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the drawings, illustrating specific embodiments. However, the claimed subject matter may be specifically embodied in a variety of different forms, and therefore the construction of the claimed subject matter of the cover or application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. The specific embodiments are merely exemplary. Likewise, the present invention is intended to provide a reasonably broad scope for the subject matter of the application or covered claims.

[0023] As used herein, the term "in one embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same specific embodiment, and the term "in some other / specific embodiments" as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different specific embodiment. The claimed subject matter is intended to include all or any combination of the specific embodiments. As used herein, "coupled" includes "directly coupled" or "indirectly coupled," such as "fit."

[0024] 3 to 5 show a substrate carrier door 200 equipped with a latch stabilization mechanism of the present invention. The substrate carrier of the present invention is the same as the substrate carrier 10 described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. The substrate carrier of the present invention includes a door 200, which includes a sealing cover 210 and a bottom plate 220. The sealing cover 210 and the bottom plate 220 are coupled to form the substrate carrier door 200, and the sealing cover 210 and the bottom plate 220 define an accommodating space for accommodating a plurality of latch structures 230. A limiting structure 240 is disposed between the latch structures 230 and the sealing cover 210, which will be described in detail later. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the accommodating space accommodates four latch structures 230 divided into two sets of two, each having a connecting end (not shown). The connecting ends of each latch structure 230 are commonly connected to a rotation mechanism 250, which is rotatably connected to a fixed post 225 on the bottom plate 220. The rotation mechanism 250 rotates under external force to control the latch structure group 230 to move between an unlocked position and a locked position. The unlocked position means that the latch structures 230 are completely housed within the door 200, and the locked position means that the end 235 of each of the latch structures 230 protrudes from the latch hole 221 on the side of the bottom plate 220. Furthermore, the latch hole 221 is designed to be compatible with the latch portions 14 ( FIG. 1 ) of the housing 11, and the end 235 of each of the latch structures corresponds to the latch portions 14. The unlocked position or the locked position is determined by the protruding or retracting movement of the latch structures 230. The number and structural design of the latch structures 230 can be adjusted as needed, and the present invention is not limited to the design of the latch structures 230.

[0025] 4 and 8, a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Each latch structure 230 includes at least one stopper portion 231, and a plurality of support posts 222 are disposed between the bottom plate 220 and the sealing cover 210. The support posts 222 may be mounted on the bottom plate 220 or the sealing cover 210, or may extend from the bottom plate 220 to the sealing cover 210, or may extend from the sealing cover 210 to the bottom plate 220. Of course, the plurality of support posts 222 may be designed and configured according to actual usage needs, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned variations. When the sealing cover 210 is combined with the bottom plate 220, the free distal ends of the support posts 222 are connected to corresponding structures on the sealing cover 210 or the bottom plate 220. In this embodiment, the support posts 222 are disposed on the bottom plate 220. When the latch structure 230 is accommodated in the accommodation space S1, each of the support posts 222 is connected to a corresponding one of the stopper portions 231 to limit its displacement, and the multiple support posts 222 limit the linear displacement of the multiple stopper portions 231, thereby defining the movement stroke of the latch structure 230 and defining the unlocked and locked positions. During a specific operation process, when the latch structure 230 moves, the support posts 222 limit the relative displacement of the latch structure 230. When the support posts 222 are within the stopper portions 231 and contact the inner wall of the stopper portions 231 close to the latch holes 221, the unlocked position (i.e., the position shown in FIG. 8) is defined, and when the support posts 222 are within the stopper portions 231 and contact the inner wall of the stopper portions 231 away from the latch holes 221, the locked position (i.e., the position shown in FIG. 5) is defined. In other words, the length of the stopper portion 231 defines the stroke length of the movement of the latch structure 230 .

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the door 200 of the present invention further includes a plurality of limiting structures 240, each positioned in the space between the sealing cover 210 and the latch structure 230. In one embodiment, the limiting structures 240 may be coupled via a support 222 to be positioned between the sealing cover 210 and the latch structure 230. When the latch structure 230 moves between the unlocked position and the locked position, the limiting structures 240 exert an elastic force according to the extent of the movement of the latch structure 230. The elastic force controls the horizontal height of the latch structure 230 within an appropriate range. The latch structure 230 preferably displaces approximately horizontally due to the elastic force of the limiting structures 240. When performing a locking operation, the end 235 of the latch structure 230 can be accurately aligned with the target structure, for example, so that the end 235 protrudes from the latch hole 221 of the bottom plate 220 and faces the latch portion 14 of the housing 11 shown in FIG. 1 . The latch structure 230 is deformed and abutted by the elastic force of the limiting structure 240, and is displaced approximately horizontally (e.g., upward toward the sealing cover 210), accurately aligning and locking the end 235. When performing an unlocking operation, the latch structure 230 is deformed and abutted by the elastic force of the limiting structure 240, and is displaced approximately horizontally (e.g., downward away from the sealing cover 210), so that the end 235 retracts from the latch hole 221 of the bottom plate 220 into the receiving space S1, completing the unlocking operation. Therefore, the door 200 can smoothly operate the locking or unlocking function within the housing 11 of the substrate carrier 10, solving the problem of impeded locking or unlocking of the door 200 due to collision damage to the latch portion 14 of the housing 11 or a collision near the latch hole 221.

[0027] After understanding the function of the limiting structure 240 in the door 200 from the above, the present invention further describes the detailed structure of the limiting structure 240 and various embodiments of the limiting structure 240 disposed between the latching structure 230 and the sealing cover 210. Here, the present invention is not limited to the number of the limiting structures 240 disposed between the latching structure 230 and the sealing cover 210, and can be adjusted according to actual usage needs.

[0028] In one embodiment, please also refer to Figures 4 to 8. Figures 6 and 7 are top and side views, respectively, of the limiting structure of the present invention, and Figure 8 is a three-dimensional enlarged view of region B in Figure 5. The limiting structure 240 of the present invention includes an elastic leg 241 and a fixing part 242, and both ends of the fixing part 242 are respectively connected to the inner wall (facing the receiving space S1) of the sealing cover 210 and the elastic leg 241, and the elastic leg 241 extends from one end of the fixing part 242 and abuts against the latch structure 230. 6 and 7, the elastic leg 241 of the limiting structure 240 has an extension portion 2411 extending from a fixed portion 242 and having a continuously changing width and length, and an end portion 243, the end portion 243 having a generally spoon-shaped structural design and including a curved portion 2431 and a rising portion 2432, the curved portion 2431 being located between the extension portion 2411 and the rising portion 2432, the rising portion 2432 being spaced apart from the fixed portion 242. The width W1 of the end portion 243 is greater than the width W3 of the extension portion 2411.

[0029] 7 and 8 , the width W1 of the end 243 of the elastic leg 241 is configured to be smaller than the width W2 of the end of the latch structure 230, thereby ensuring that the end 243 has a sufficiently large contact area and improving stability during sliding. A preferred embodiment of the fixing portion 242 is a hollow ring fitted to the outer periphery of the support post 222 so that one end of the limiting structure can be fixed to the support post 222. The fixing portion has multiple protrusions facing the inner wall of the sealing cover 210, and the multiple protrusions 2421 can be distributed at intervals around the hollow ring to provide a uniform contact force. The multiple protrusions 2421 reduce the contact area with the inner wall of the sealing cover 210, thereby avoiding dust problems caused by large-area mutual friction between the fixing portion 242 and the inner wall of the sealing cover 210. In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion 2421 may be made of an elastic material and may be integrally molded with the fixing portion 242, and the protrusion 2421 may be, but is not limited to, a round ball-shaped protrusion as a point contact between the protrusion 2421 and the inner wall of the sealing cover 210 to reduce the contact area.

[0030] The fixed portion 242 of the limiting structure 240 may be made of a material with higher rigidity, and the elastic legs 241 are made of an elastic material. Because the elastic legs 241 are made of an elastic material, the length L of the limiting structure 240 has a relative correlation with the strength of the elastic force. Specifically, when the length L of the limiting structure 240 is long, i.e., when the elastic stroke S of the extension 2411 of the elastic legs 241 is long, the generated elastic tolerance et increases, and the elastic strength with which the limiting structure 240 acts when the latch structure 230 slides decreases. Conversely, when the length L of the limiting structure 240 is short, i.e., when the elastic stroke S of the extension 2411 of the elastic legs 241 of the latch structure 230 decreases, the relative rigidity increases, the generated elastic tolerance et decreases, and the elastic strength with which the latch structure 230 slides increases, resulting in a larger force when the latch structure slides. The elastic margin (also called elastic tolerance) of the present invention refers to the range of change or deviation that a system or component can tolerate under normal use conditions. In the present invention, the elastic margin (also called elastic tolerance) means that even if some variation or error occurs due to manufacturing, the latch structure 230 can maintain normal operation without being significantly tilted or damaged.

[0031] After understanding the detailed structural design of the limiting structure 240 from the above, we will continue to refer to the states of the latch structure from the unlocked position to the locked position in Figures 9 to 11 to further explain that the limiting structure 240 plays an important role in providing elastic force for the latch structure 230 to be displaced in height in the horizontal direction. Figure 9 shows the latch structure 230 in the unlocked position, Figure 10 shows the latch structure 230 between the unlocked position and the locked position, and Figure 11 shows the latch structure 230 in the locked position.

[0032] 8 and 9 , the limiting structure 240 applies an elastic force to the upper surface of the latching structure 230, the bottom of the curved portion 2431 abuts against the upper surface of the latching structure 230 (facing the inner wall of the sealing cover 210), the raised portion 2432 maintains a height distance from the upper surface of the latching structure 230, and the curved portion 2431 reduces the contact area with the latching structure 230 during sliding, thereby preventing damage to the latching structure 230 and the generation of particles during sliding. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the limiting structure 240 is made of an integrally molded elastic material, but is not limited to this.

[0033] After the sealing cover 210 and the bottom plate 220 are coupled, the end 235 of the latch structure 230 abuts against the inner surface of the bottom plate 220 due to the elastic force of the limiting structure 240. When the latch structure 230 begins to slide from the unlocked position to the locked position through the operation of the rotation mechanism 250 shown in FIG. 5, the latch structure 230 can be displaced in a substantially horizontal direction. The direction of lateral displacement D1 is shown in FIG. 9. At this time, the support 222 limits the linear displacement of the stopper portion 231. When the latch structure 230 displaces in the lateral displacement direction D1, the first end 2311 of the stopper portion 231 of the latch structure 230 is linearly displaced toward the position of the latch hole 221 until the second end 2312 of the stopper portion 231 is limited by the support 222 and the end 235 of the latch structure 230 begins to pass through the latch hole 221 defined by the side surface of the bottom plate 220. A first end 2311 of the stopper portion 231 refers to the end close to the latch hole 221 , and a second end 2312 of the stopper portion 231 refers to the end away from the latch hole 221 .

[0034] Next, as shown in Figure 10, when the latch structure 230 continues to slide, the latch structure 230 resists the vertical displacement (longitudinal displacement H2) caused by the operation of the rotation mechanism 250 through the elastic force applied by the limiting structure 240, thereby displacing at an approximately horizontal height (lateral displacement D2), and at this time, a portion of the end 235 of the latch structure 230 passes through the latch hole 221 and protrudes outside the bottom plate 220.

[0035] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, when the latch structure 230 slides from the position of FIG. 10 to the locked position, the limiting structure 240 applies an elastic force that varies depending on the degree of movement of the latch structure 230, so that the latch structure 230 is displaced in horizontal height (lateral displacement D3) through the elastic force applied by the limiting structure 240, i.e., the end 235 of the latch structure 230 completely protrudes outside the latch hole 221 of the bottom plate 220. When the latch structure 230 is in a region close to the locked position, the elastic force of the limiting structure 240 is smaller than the vertical force generated by the operation of the rotating mechanism 250, so the latch structure 230 is displaced vertically (at a vertical displacement H3; FIG. 11 shows that the operation of the rotating mechanism causes the end 235 of the latch structure 230 to fully protrude from the latch hole 221 of the bottom plate 220 and then tilt upward. Therefore, the end 235 of the latch structure 230 adjusts its displacement state according to the elastic force applied by the limiting structure 240. Even if there is a tolerance, it can be adapted to the latch portion 14 of the damaged housing 11 ( FIG. 1 ), so that the end 235 of the latch structure 230 can be accurately aligned with the latch portion 14 of the housing 11 to open and close the door. If it is desired that the latch structure 230 does not tilt too much in the locked position, the shape, length, or material of the limiting structure 240 can be appropriately selected to form an elastic force sufficient to resist the vertical displacement H3 of the rotating mechanism 250.

[0036] FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of a door of the present invention. Similar to the door structure described above, this door includes a sealing cover 210 and a bottom plate 220, with a latch structure 230 disposed between them. The latch structure 230 can move between an unlocked position and a locked position through the operation of the rotation mechanism 250 and the restriction of linear displacement of the first end 2311 and the second end 2312 of the stopper portion of the latch structure 230 by the support post 222. Here, differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described, and similar components and descriptions to those of the first embodiment will be omitted. The sealing cover 210 has a plurality of through-holes 211, and the restriction structure 240 has elastic legs 241. The elastic legs 241 are connected to the inner walls of the through-holes 211 and extend from the inner walls of the through-holes 211 to abut against the top surface of the latch structure 230. The bottom of the curved portion 2431 of the elastic leg 241 abuts against the upper surface of the latch structure 230 (the rising portion 2432 faces the through-hole 211 of the sealing cover 210), maintaining a height distance between the rising portion 2432 and the upper surface of the latch structure 230. With this configuration, when the latch structure 230 is displaced, the limiting structure 240 applies an elastic force that varies depending on the degree of movement of the latch structure 230, displacing the latch structure 230 by a height in a substantially horizontal direction. The structural features and functionality of the elastic leg 241 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the limiting structure 240 can be connected or coupled to the inner wall of the sealing cover 210 by various possible means, for example, the elastic leg 241 can engage with the inner wall of the through-hole 211. The elastic legs 241 extend integrally from the inner wall of the through hole 211 and abut against the latch structure 230 or the inner wall of the sealing cover 210, or the inner wall of the sealing cover 210 can be provided with a connecting structure (e.g., a positioning groove) that fits the limiting structure 240 so that the limiting structure 240 can be connected to the inner wall of the sealing cover 210.

[0037] 13 and 14 show a third embodiment of a door of the present invention. Here, only the differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be described, and similar components and descriptions to those of the first embodiment will be omitted. FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional view of a latch structure and a limiting structure according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a door according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, a limiting structure 240 extends from the top side of the latch structure 230 toward the unlocked position and the locked position. The limiting structure 240 is connected to the top side of the latch structure 230 and includes elastic legs 241 that abut against the inner wall of the sealing cover 210. The bottom of the curved portion 2431 of the elastic legs 241 abuts against the inner wall of the sealing cover 210 (the rising portion 2432 faces the bottom plate 220), maintaining a height distance between the rising portion 2432 and the inner wall of the sealing cover 210. The latch structure 230 includes a buffer portion 233, which is a through-hole in a preferred embodiment. With this configuration, when the latch structure 230 is displaced, the limiting structure 240 applies an elastic force that varies according to the degree of movement of the latch structure 230, so that when the limiting structure 240 abuts against the inner wall of the sealing cover 210 and is elastically deformed, the buffer portion 233 accommodates a part of the limiting structure, i.e., a part of the elastic leg 241, to prevent the limiting structure 240 from directly contacting the latch structure 230 and causing friction, and at the same time displaces the latch structure 230 substantially horizontally. The structural features and functionality of the elastic leg 241 are the same as those of the first embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] In short, the limiting structure of the present invention is located between the latch structure and the sealing cover, and any structural design and configuration of the limiting structure is within the scope of patent protection of the present invention as long as the limiting structure provides an elastic force according to the degree of movement of the latch structure between the unlocked position and the locked position, and displaces the latch structure in horizontal height through the elastic force. The structural design of the limiting structure of the present invention actually solves the current industry problem that during the operation of the substrate carrier door, the latch structure rapidly protrudes at a large tilt angle θ° to perform the locking operation, which prevents the door from being accurately locked to the substrate carrier, making it difficult to open and close, and causing it to fall off. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 10 PCB carrier 11. Housing 12 Open end 13 Storage space 14 Latch section 200 doors 20 doors 21 Latch structure 210 Sealing Cover 211 Through hole 22 Sealing cover 220 Bottom plate 221 Latch hole 222 Post 225 Fixed column 23 board 230 Latch Structure 231 Stopper part 2311 1st end 2312 2nd end 233 Buffer section 235 (Latch structure) end 24 End 240 Restrictive Structure 241 Elastic Legs 2411 Extension 242 Fixed part (annular part) 2421 Protrusion 243 End 2431 Curved section 2432 Rising section 250 Rotation Mechanism et Elastic margin L length OP opening W1 (restriction structure) end width W2 Width of the end (of the latch structure) W3 (extension of latch structure) end width S Elastic stroke S1 Containment Space

Claims

1. A door suitable for a substrate carrier and equipped with a latch stabilization mechanism, comprising: a bottom plate and a sealing cover that combine to form a receiving space for receiving a plurality of latch structures, each latch structure being configured to move between an unlocked position and a locked position; a limiting structure interposed between the latch structure and the sealing cover, the limiting structure applying elastic force to the latch structure in accordance with the degree of movement of the latch structure between the unlocked position and the locked position, and displacing the latch structure in height in the horizontal direction through the elastic force; a plurality of support columns disposed between the bottom plate and the sealing cover; Including, The limiting structure is fixed to one of the posts to provide the resilient force.

2. The restriction structure a fixing portion into which any one of the plurality of support columns is fitted; a resilient leg extending from the fixed portion and abutting against the latch structure; The door of claim 1 including:

3. 2. The door of claim 1, wherein the limiting structure is connected to an inner wall of the sealing cover and comprises a fixed portion and a resilient leg, the fixed portion being connected to the inner wall of the sealing cover and the resilient leg extending from the fixed portion to abut against the latch structure to provide the resilient force.

4. A door suitable for a substrate carrier and equipped with a latch stabilization mechanism, comprising: a bottom plate and a sealing cover that combine to form a receiving space for receiving a plurality of latch structures, each latch structure being configured to move between an unlocked position and a locked position; a limiting structure interposed between the latch structure and the sealing cover, the limiting structure applying elastic force to the latch structure depending on the degree of movement of the latch structure between the unlocked position and the locked position, and displacing the latch structure in height in the horizontal direction through the elastic force; Including, 2. The door of claim 1, wherein the sealing cover has a plurality of through holes, and the limiting structure includes elastic legs connected to inner walls of the through holes and abutting against the latch structure to provide the elastic force.

5. 4. The door according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the end of the elastic leg has a curved portion, and the bottom of the curved portion abuts against the latch structure.

6. 6. The door according to claim 5, wherein the curved portion has an end portion that rises away from the fixed portion.

7. 6. The door according to claim 5, wherein the elastic leg has an extension portion and an end portion extending from the fixed portion and having a width and length that vary continuously, the width of the end portion being greater than that of the extension portion.

8. The door according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the width of the end of the elastic leg is configured to be smaller than the width of the end of the latch structure.

9. The door according to claim 2 , wherein the fixing portion has a plurality of protrusions and contacts the inner wall of the sealing cover via the plurality of protrusions.

10. The door of claim 1 , wherein the restricting structure extends from the sealing cover or the bottom plate toward a latch hole defined in a side surface of the door.

11. 2. The door of claim 1, wherein each of the latch structures includes a plurality of stopper portions, and a plurality of support posts are disposed on the bottom plate, each of the support posts being connected to a respective one of the stopper portions to limit displacement, and when the latch structure moves, the plurality of support posts limit the linear displacement of the plurality of stopper portions, thereby defining the unlocked position and the locked position.

12. the limiting structure extends from a top side of the latch structure toward the unlocked position and the locked position, and one end of the limiting structure abuts against an inner wall of the sealing cover; 2. The door according to claim 1, wherein the latch structure includes a buffer portion, and when the limiting structure abuts against the inner wall of the sealing cover and elastically deforms, the buffer portion accommodates a portion of the limiting structure to prevent the limiting structure from contacting the latch structure and causing friction.

13. A door according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 9 to 12; a housing coupled to the door via the latch structure and defining a storage space for accommodating a substrate; a substrate carrier including:

14. The substrate carrier of claim 13, wherein the housing has an open end and a plurality of latch portions are provided inside the open end, the plurality of latch portions have a structural design that is compatible with the plurality of latch structures, the ends of the plurality of latch structures correspond to the positions of the plurality of latch portions, and the latch structures are in an unlocked position or a locked position throughout the movement state of the latch structures.

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