Circuit board storage container

Abstract

To provide a substrate housing container that can be stably fixed to an external device.SOLUTION: A substrate housing container has a container body having a bottom plate 22, a structure 7 which is an integrally molded product provided in the container body, and a retaining member 6 which is joined to the bottom plate 22 and removably holds the structure 7 to the container body. The retaining member 6 has a regulating portion 62, 63 that regulates the movement of the structure 7 in the front-back direction, a protruding piece 64 provided in the regulating portion 62 and is separated from the bottom surface 22a of the bottom plate 22 and protrudes toward the regulating portion 63, and a protruding piece 65 provided in the regulating portion 63 and is separated from the bottom surface 22a and protrudes toward the regulating portion 62. The structure 7 has a fixing portion 72 for fixing the substrate housing container to an external device, a detection section 73 for an external device to detect the substrate housing container, and a mounting portion 77 that attaches the structure 7 to the retaining member 6 by engaging the protruding piece 64 and protruding piece 65.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a substrate storage container.

Background Art

[0002] A substrate storage container for storing substrates such as semiconductor wafers is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a wafer transfer container including a container body and a bottom plate provided on the bottom surface of the container body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the door of such a substrate storage container is opened and closed, it may be fixed to an external device. Therefore, a clamp structure (center clamp) for fixing the substrate storage container to the external device may be provided at the bottom of the substrate storage container. Further, a detection pad for detecting the substrate storage container may be provided at the bottom of the substrate storage container. By fitting a component having the function of the center clamp and a component provided with the detection pad to a component provided at the bottom of the container body, these functions can be added to the substrate storage container.

[0005] Due to dimensional tolerances of each component, etc., a clearance may occur between the fitted components. Since there is a possibility that the center clamp cannot be accurately positioned due to this clearance, it is desired that the substrate storage container be more stably fixed to the external device.

[0006] This disclosure describes a substrate storage container that can be stably fixed to an external device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A substrate storage container according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises a container body having a bottom plate defining a storage space for storing substrates, a structural element which is an integrally molded product provided on the container body, and a holding member which is joined to the bottom plate and detachably holds the structural element to the container body. The bottom plate has a bottom surface facing the outside of the substrate storage container. The holding member comprises a first restricting portion and a second restricting portion which face each other in a first direction along the bottom surface and restrict the movement of the structural element in the first direction, a first protruding piece provided on the first restricting portion which is spaced apart from the bottom surface in a second direction intersecting the bottom surface and protrudes toward the second restricting portion in the first direction, and a second protruding piece provided on the second restricting portion which is spaced apart from the bottom surface in the second direction and protrudes toward the first restricting portion in the first direction. The structural element comprises a fixing portion for fixing the substrate storage container to an external device, a detection portion for the external device to detect the substrate storage container, and an attachment portion for attaching the structural element to the holding member by engaging with the first protruding piece and the second protruding piece.

[0008] In this substrate storage container, a structure comprising a fixing part for securing the substrate storage container to an external device, a detection part for the external device to detect the substrate storage container, and a mounting part for attaching it to a holding member is formed as a single molded product. The structure is attached to the holding member by the mounting part engaging with the first and second protruding pieces of the holding member, which are joined to the bottom plate of the container body. Therefore, since two parts, the structure and the holding member, engage with each other, the position of the fixing part can be stabilized compared to a configuration in which three parts engage. As a result, the substrate storage container can be stably fixed to the external device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the structure may further comprise a first wall portion and a second wall portion that face each other in a first direction and support a fixing portion. The fixing portion is a plate-shaped member facing the bottom surface and may have a first end and a second end that are both ends in the first direction. The first wall portion may comprise a first projection that protrudes toward the second wall portion in the first direction and is connected to the first end. The second wall portion may comprise a second projection that protrudes toward the first wall portion in the first direction and is connected to the second end. The mounting portion may comprise a pair of first locking pieces provided on the first projection that sandwich the first projection in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions and lock onto the first projection in the second direction, and a pair of second locking pieces provided on the second projection that sandwich the second projection in the third direction and lock onto the second projection in the second direction. In this case, a pair of first locking pieces provided on the first protrusion of the first wall portion sandwich the first protrusion in a third direction and lock onto the first protrusion in a second direction, and a pair of second locking pieces provided on the second protrusion of the second wall portion sandwich the second protrusion in a third direction and lock onto the second protrusion in a second direction. With this configuration, the structure can be attached to the holding member. As a result, the manufacturing of the substrate storage container can be simplified.

[0010] In some embodiments, the fixing portion may include a cylindrical portion extending in a second direction. The mounting portion may include a first projection provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion that fits between a first protruding piece and the bottom surface, and a second projection provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion that fits between a second protruding piece and the bottom surface. In this case, the structure can be attached to the holding member simply by fitting the first projection provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion between the first protruding piece of the holding member and the bottom surface of the bottom plate of the container body, and fitting the second projection provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion between the second protruding piece of the holding member and the bottom surface of the bottom plate of the container body. As a result, the manufacturing of the substrate storage container can be simplified. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, the substrate housing container can be stably fixed to an external device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a substrate storage container according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the substrate housing container shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom of the circuit board housing container shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the structure shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the structure shown in Figure 4, viewed from the rear. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in Figure 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom of the substrate storage container of the comparative example. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another example of the structure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the procedure for attaching the structure shown in Figure 8 to the retaining member. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the structure shown in Figure 8 attached to the retaining member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Each figure shows an XYZ coordinate system. The Y-axis direction (first direction) intersects (in this case, orthogonal to) the X-axis direction (third direction) and the Z-axis direction (second direction). The Z-axis direction intersects (in this case, orthogonal to) the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. As an example, the X-axis direction is the left-right direction (width direction), the Y-axis direction is the front-back direction (depth direction), and the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction (height direction). For convenience of explanation, the terms "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," and "right" are used, but the directions are not limited to these.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, a substrate storage container according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a substrate storage container according to an embodiment. The substrate storage container 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a container for storing a plurality of substrates. The substrate storage container 1 is, for example, referred to as a FOSB (Front Opening Shipping Box) and is used for transporting substrates between factories. The substrate storage container 1 is configured, for example, with reference to the SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International) standard. Examples of substrates include semiconductor wafers. The substrate has, for example, a disc shape with a diameter of 300 mm and a thickness of 775 μm. The number of substrates that can be stored in the substrate storage container 1 is arbitrarily determined, and is, for example, 25.

[0015] The substrate storage container 1 includes a container body 2, a lid 3, and a pair of supports 4.

[0016] The container body 2 is a front-open type container provided with an opening 2a in the front (front face). The container body 2 stores a plurality of substrates. Specifically, the container body 2 stores a plurality of substrates in a vertically arranged state. Substrates are inserted into and removed from the container body 2 through the opening 2a.

[0017] The container body 2 includes a top plate 21, a bottom plate 22, a pair of side walls 23, a rear wall 24, and a frame body 25. An accommodation space 20 for storing a plurality of substrates is defined by the top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, the pair of side walls 23, and the rear wall 24. The bottom plate 22 has a bottom surface 22a (see FIG. 2) facing the outside of the container body 2. The frame body 25 is a rectangular frame body provided across the front end of the top plate 21, the front end of the bottom plate 22, and the front ends of the pair of side walls 23. The opening 2a is defined by the frame body 25. The frame body 25 is bent with a step so as to spread outward, and the surface of the step portion functions as a seal surface where a sealing member such as a gasket contacts.

[0018] The lid body 3 is a member for closing the opening 2a of the container body 2. The lid body 3 is detachably attached to the frame body 25. The lid body 3 airtightly closes the opening 2a of the container body 2 via a sealing member such as a gasket. The lid body 3 includes a lid main body 31 and a locking mechanism 32.

[0019] The lid main body 31 is the main body portion of the lid body 3. The lid main body 31 is a rectangular plate material. A keyhole 31h is provided on the front surface of the lid main body 31. A key (not shown) is inserted into the keyhole 31h. The locking mechanism 32 locks or unlocks the lid body 3 when the key inserted into the keyhole 31h is operated. The locking mechanism 32 includes a latch (not shown). In a state where the lid body 3 closes the opening 2a of the container body 2, the lid body 3 is locked when the latch is inserted into a locking hole (not shown) provided in the frame body 25 by operating the key. In a state where the lid body 3 is locked, the lid body 3 is unlocked when the latch is pulled out of the locking hole by operating the key.

[0020] Examples of the materials of the container body 2 and the lid body 3 include thermoplastic resins such as polycarbonate, cycloolefin polymer, and liquid crystal polymer. Conductive materials, various antistatic materials, ultraviolet absorbers, etc. may be appropriately added to this thermoplastic resin. Examples of the conductive material include conductive carbon, conductive fibers, metal fibers, and conductive polymers.

[0021] The pair of support members 4 are components that support the substrate. Each support member 4 is provided on the inner surface of the side wall 23 and protrudes from the inner surface of the side wall 23 into the housing space 20. Each support member 4 is provided with a plurality of grooves extending in the front-rear direction. The plurality of grooves may have a shape that is recessed toward the side wall 23. The plurality of grooves are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The substrate is supported by inserting both ends of the substrate in the left-right direction into grooves located at the same height on the pair of support members 4. Each support member 4 may be integrally formed with the container body 2 by insert molding, or it may be assembled to the container body 2 in an assembly type. Examples of constituent materials for each support member 4 include thermoplastic resins such as polycarbonate, cycloolefin polymer, liquid crystal polymer, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyether ether ketone.

[0022] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the components provided at the bottom of the container body 2 will be described. Figure 2 is a bottom view of the substrate storage container shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the substrate storage container 1 further includes a positioning member 5, a holding member 6, and a structure 7.

[0023] The positioning member 5 is a member used by an external device such as a load port to position the substrate storage container 1 (container body 2). The positioning member 5 is provided on the bottom plate 22 so as to protrude downward from the bottom surface 22a. The positioning member 5 has a V-shaped surface that is recessed in a V-shape toward (upward) the bottom plate 22. The V-shaped surface may be subjected to a surface treatment to improve wear resistance and sliding properties as needed. In this embodiment, the substrate storage container 1 includes three positioning members 5. Each positioning member 5 may be integrally formed with the container body 2 by insert molding, or it may be assembled to the container body 2 in an assembly type. Examples of constituent materials for each positioning member 5 include thermoplastic resins such as polycarbonate, cycloolefin polymer, liquid crystal polymer, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyether ether ketone.

[0024] The retaining member 6 is a member that detachably holds the structure 7 to the container body 2. The retaining member 6 is joined to the bottom plate 22. The retaining member 6 may be integrally formed with the container body 2 by insert molding, or it may be assembled to the container body 2 in an assembly type. Examples of constituent materials for the retaining member 6 include thermoplastic resins such as polycarbonate, cycloolefin polymer, liquid crystal polymer, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyetheretherketone.

[0025] Structure 7 is a component for adding various functions to the substrate storage container 1. Structure 7 is a single molded product and is provided on the container body 2. Examples of constituent materials for structure 7 include thermoplastic resins such as polycarbonate, cycloolefin polymer, liquid crystal polymer, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyetheretherketone. Details of the retaining member 6 and structure 7 will be described later.

[0026] Next, the retaining member 6 and the structure 7 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom of the substrate storage container shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the structure shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the structure shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the retaining member 6 includes a base 61, a restricting portion 62 (first restricting portion), a restricting portion 63 (second restricting portion), a protruding piece 64 (first protruding piece), and a protruding piece 65 (second protruding piece).

[0027] The base portion 61 is a plate-shaped part that is joined to the bottom plate 22. The base portion 61 is embedded in the bottom plate 22. The base portion 61 has a T-shape in plan view. The base portion 61 includes a first portion 61a, a second portion 61b, and a connecting portion 61c. The first portion 61a is the portion on which the restricting portion 62 is provided, and has a shape that is slightly larger than the restricting portion 62 in plan view. The second portion 61b is the portion on which the restricting portion 63 is provided, and has a shape that is slightly larger than the restricting portion 63 in plan view. The connecting portion 61c is the portion that connects the first portion 61a and the second portion 61b. The connecting portion 61c is provided with a rectangular through hole 61h that penetrates the connecting portion 61c in the vertical direction.

[0028] The restricting parts 62 and 63 are members that restrict the movement of the structure 7 in the front-rear direction. The restricting part 62 restricts the forward movement of the structure 7. The restricting part 63 restricts the backward movement of the structure 7. The restricting parts 62 and 63 are provided so as to face each other in the front-rear direction.

[0029] The restricting portion 62 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that extends in the left-right direction. The restricting portion 62 also functions as a front retainer for fixing the substrate housing container 1 to an external device. Grooves 62a are provided at both ends of the lower surface of the restricting portion 62 in the left-right direction. The grooves 62a extend in the front-rear direction from near the front end of the restricting portion 62 to the rear end of the restricting portion 62.

[0030] The regulating portion 63 has a plate-like shape with a main surface substantially perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The regulating portion 63 has a sensing surface 63a. The sensing surface 63a is located at the tip of the regulating portion 63 and faces downward when the structure 7 is attached to the holding member 6. The sensing surface 63a functions as a sensing pad that is detected by an external device.

[0031] The protruding pieces 64 and 65 are parts used to attach the structure 7. The protruding piece 64 is provided on the rear surface of the restricting portion 62 and protrudes from the rear surface of the restricting portion 62 toward the restricting portion 63 (rearward) in the front-rear direction. The protruding piece 64 is spaced apart from the bottom surface 22a in the vertical direction. The tip of the protruding piece 64 is curved in an arc shape. The protruding piece 65 is provided on the front surface of the restricting portion 63 and protrudes from the front surface of the restricting portion 63 toward the restricting portion 62 (forward) in the front-rear direction. The protruding piece 65 is spaced apart from the bottom surface 22a in the vertical direction. The tip of the protruding piece 65 is curved in an arc shape.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the structure 7 includes a base 71, a fixing part 72, a detection part 73, a wall part 74 (first wall part), a wall part 75 (second wall part), a pair of side wall parts 76, and a mounting part 77. Here, the structure 7 will be described in the state in which the structure 7 is attached to the holding member 6.

[0033] The base portion 71 is a plate-shaped part that rests on the base portion 61. The front edge of the base portion 71 is recessed to conform to the shape of the protruding piece 64 so that the base portion 71 does not interfere with the protruding piece 64 when the structure 7 is attached to the holding member 6. The rear edge of the base portion 71 is recessed to conform to the shape of the protruding piece 65 so that the base portion 71 does not interfere with the protruding piece 65 when the structure 7 is attached to the holding member 6. The base portion 71 has a surface 71a and a surface 71b. Surface 71a is the surface facing the base portion 61. Surface 71b is the surface opposite to surface 71a and is the surface facing the fixing portion 72.

[0034] The fixing portion 72 is a part for fixing the substrate storage container 1 to an external device. The fixing portion 72 has a plate-like shape that faces the bottom surface 22a (base portion 71) in the vertical direction. The fixing portion 72 is slightly inclined so as it moves away from the bottom surface 22a towards the rear. The fixing portion 72 has a front end 72a (first end) and a rear end 72b (second end), which are the two ends in the front-rear direction. The fixing portion 72 is provided with a through hole 72h that penetrates the fixing portion 72 in the vertical direction. The through hole 72h is an elongated hole that extends in the front-rear direction.

[0035] The detection unit 73 is the part for an external device to detect the substrate housing container 1. The detection unit 73 includes a pair of detection bodies 73a. Each detection body 73a has a plate-like shape extending in the front-rear direction. The pair of detection bodies 73a are arranged so as to sandwich the fixing part 72 in the left-right direction. Each detection body 73a has a detection surface 73b. The detection surface 73b is the surface facing downward when the structure 7 is attached to the holding member 6. The detection surface 73b is substantially parallel to the upper surface of the fixing part 72 (the surface facing the bottom surface 22a). The detection surface 63a and the detection surface 73b of the pair of detection bodies 73a are located on substantially the same plane. The detection surface 73b, like the detection surface 63a, functions as a sensing pad that is detected by an external device.

[0036] Walls 74 and 75 are the parts that support the fixing part 72. Walls 74 and 75 are provided on the base 71 so as to sandwich the fixing part 72 in the front-rear direction. Walls 74 and 75 face each other in the front-rear direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Wall 74 is erected on the surface 71b along the front edge of the base 71. Wall 75 is erected on the surface 71b along the rear edge of the base 71.

[0037] The wall portion 74 includes a main body portion 74a and a protruding portion 74b (first protruding portion). The main body portion 74a is a plate-shaped portion. The main body portion 74a is provided with an opening 74c. The opening 74c is provided in the portion of the main body portion 74a through which the protruding piece 64 passes, so that the wall portion 74 does not interfere with the protruding piece 64 when the structure 7 is attached to the holding member 6. The protruding portion 74b is provided on the rear surface of the main body portion 74a and protrudes from the rear surface of the main body portion 74a toward the wall portion 75 in the front-rear direction. The protruding portion 74b is connected to the front end 72a of the fixing portion 72. In plan view, the protruding portion 74b has substantially the same shape as the protruding piece 64.

[0038] The wall portion 75 includes a main body portion 75a and a projection portion 75b (second projection portion). The main body portion 75a is a plate-shaped portion. The main body portion 75a is provided with an opening 75c. The opening 75c is provided in the portion of the main body portion 75a through which the projection portion 65 passes, so that the wall portion 75 does not interfere with the projection portion 65 when the structure 7 is attached to the holding member 6. The projection portion 75b is provided on the front surface of the main body portion 75a and protrudes from the front surface of the main body portion 75a toward the wall portion 74 in the front-rear direction. The projection portion 75b is connected to the rear end 72b of the fixing portion 72. In plan view, the projection portion 75b has substantially the same shape as the projection portion 65.

[0039] The pair of side walls 76 support the detection unit 73. The pair of side walls 76 are provided on the base 71 so as to sandwich the fixing unit 72 in the left-right direction. The pair of side walls 76 face each other in the left-right direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The pair of side walls 76 are erected on the surface 71b along the left and right edges of the base 71. The lower end of the right side wall 76 is connected to the left end of the right detection unit 73a, and the lower end of the left side wall 76 is connected to the right end of the left detection unit 73a. In other words, the pair of detection units 73a extend from the lower ends of each side wall 76 so as to be separated from each other in the left-right direction.

[0040] Space V is defined by the base portion 71, the fixing portion 72, the wall portion 74, the wall portion 75, and the pair of side wall portions 76. Space V is used for external devices such as load ports to fix the substrate housing container 1, and a T-shaped fixing device for the external device is inserted into space V.

[0041] Each side wall portion 76 is provided with an opening 76a that connects the space V to the outside. The opening 76a has the same size as the space V when viewed from the left and right directions. In other words, the opening 76a extends in the vertical direction from the lower end of the side wall portion 76 to the surface 71b of the base portion 71, and in the front-to-back direction from the rear surface of the wall portion 74 to the front surface of the wall portion 75.

[0042] The mounting portion 77 is the part that attaches the structure 7 to the retaining member 6 by engaging with the protruding pieces 64 and 65. The mounting portion 77 attaches the structure 7 to the retaining member 6 by a snap-fit ​​structure. The mounting portion 77 includes a pair of locking pieces 78 (first locking pieces) and a pair of locking pieces 79 (second locking pieces).

[0043] The pair of locking pieces 78 are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The pair of locking pieces 78 are provided at both the left and right ends of the projection 74b and extend from the projection 74b toward the bottom surface 22a (surface 71b). The pair of locking pieces 78 are provided in a position that overlaps with the openings 74c and 75c in the front-rear direction and in a position that overlaps with the opening 76a in the left-right direction. Each locking piece 78 has a hook shape. Specifically, each locking piece 78 includes a column portion 78a and a claw portion 78b.

[0044] The column portion 78a is flexible. The vertical length of the column portion 78a is substantially the same as the vertical length (thickness) of the projection piece 64. The base end of the column portion 78a is connected to the projection portion 74b. A claw portion 78b is provided at the tip of the column portion 78a. The claw portion 78b protrudes toward the other claw portion 78b. The claw portion 78b has an inclined surface 78c. The inclined surface 78c is inclined so that as it approaches the column portion 78a in the vertical direction, it approaches the other claw portion 78b in the left-right direction.

[0045] With the structure 7 attached to the holding member 6, the pair of locking pieces 78 sandwich the protruding piece 64 in the left-right direction and lock onto the protruding piece 64 in the up-down direction. Specifically, the column portions 78a of the pair of locking pieces 78 sandwich the protruding piece 64 in the left-right direction, and the claw portions 78b of the pair of locking pieces 78 lock onto the surface 71b of the protruding piece 64 with the surface facing it.

[0046] A pair of locking pieces 79 are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The pair of locking pieces 79 are provided at both left and right ends of the projection 75b and extend from the projection 75b toward the bottom surface 22a (surface 71b). The pair of locking pieces 79 are provided in a position that overlaps with the openings 74c and 75c in the front-rear direction and in a position that overlaps with the opening 76a in the left-right direction. Each locking piece 79 includes a column portion 79a and a claw portion 79b.

[0047] The column portion 79a is flexible. The vertical length of the column portion 79a is substantially the same as the vertical length (thickness) of the projection piece 65. The base end of the column portion 79a is connected to the projection portion 75b. A claw portion 79b is provided at the tip of the column portion 79a. The claw portion 79b protrudes toward the other claw portion 79b. The claw portion 79b has an inclined surface 79c. The inclined surface 79c is inclined so that it approaches the column portion 79a in the vertical direction and approaches the other claw portion 79b in the left-right direction.

[0048] With the structure 7 attached to the holding member 6, the pair of locking pieces 79 sandwich the protruding piece 65 in the left-right direction and lock onto the protruding piece 65 in the up-down direction. Specifically, the column portions 79a of the pair of locking pieces 79 sandwich the protruding piece 65 in the left-right direction, and the claw portions 79b of the pair of locking pieces 79 lock onto the surface 71b of the protruding piece 65 with the surface facing it.

[0049] Next, with further reference to Figure 7, the assembly method of the bottom of the substrate storage container 1 will be explained in comparison with the substrate storage container of the comparative example. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom of the substrate storage container of the comparative example. The substrate storage container 100 shown in Figure 7 differs from the substrate storage container 1 mainly in that it includes a detection member 107 and a fixing member 108 in place of the structure 7.

[0050] The detection member 107 differs from the structure 7 mainly in that it includes a pair of wall portions 176 instead of a pair of side wall portions 76, and does not include the fixing portion 72 and the mounting portion 77. The pair of wall portions 176 differ from the pair of side wall portions 76 mainly in that it does not have an opening 76a.

[0051] The fixing member 108 is a cylindrical member. One end of the fixing member 108 is open, and the other end of the fixing member 108 is provided with a through hole 108h. One end of the fixing member 108 is provided with projections 108a and 108b for attaching the fixing member 108 to the holding member 6. Projections 108a and 108b are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion at one end of the fixing member 108. Projections 108a and 108b are provided substantially point-symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical portion and protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion in opposite directions.

[0052] In the substrate storage container 100, the detection member 107 is first placed on the holding member 6 such that the protruding portion 74b of the wall portion 74 is superimposed on the protruding piece 64 through the opening 74c, and the protruding portion 75b of the wall portion 75 is superimposed on the protruding piece 65 through the opening 75c. As a result, one end of the pair of detection bodies 73a is placed on the restricting portion 62, and the upper ends of the pair of side wall portions 76 abut against the bottom surface 22a. At this time, the detection member 107 is not fixed to the holding member 6.

[0053] Next, the orientation of the fixing member 108 is adjusted around its central axis so that the projections 108a and 108b do not interfere with the protruding parts 74b and 75b, and one end of the fixing member 108 is placed on the base 71. Then, as the fixing member 108 is rotated around its central axis, the projection 108a fits between the protruding piece 64 and the base 71, and the projection 108b fits between the protruding piece 65 and the base 71.

[0054] As described above, the detection member 107 and the fixing member 108 are attached to the holding member 6.

[0055] Meanwhile, in the substrate storage container 1, the structure 7 is pushed toward the holding member 6 such that the protruding portion 74b of the wall portion 74 overlaps the protruding piece 64 through the opening 74c, and the protruding portion 75b of the wall portion 75 overlaps the protruding piece 65 through the opening 75c. At this time, both the left and right ends of the protruding piece 64 slide along the inclined surfaces 78c of the claw portions 78b of the pair of locking pieces 78, so that a pressing force is applied to each locking piece 78 such that the pair of locking pieces 78 move away from each other in the left-right direction. As a result, the column portion 78a elastically deforms and the pair of locking pieces 78 are pushed apart in the left-right direction. When the protruding piece 64 passes between the claw portions 78b, the pressing force applied to each locking piece 78 by the protruding piece 64 is released, and the shape of the column portion 78a returns to its original shape due to the elastic force of the column portion 78a. As a result, the protruding piece 64 is sandwiched in the left-right direction by the pair of column portions 78a, and the claw portions 78b come into contact with the upper surface of the protruding piece 64.

[0056] Similarly, with respect to the pair of locking pieces 79, the left and right ends of the protruding piece 65 slide along the inclined surfaces 79c of the claw portions 79b of the pair of locking pieces 79, causing the pair of locking pieces 79 to spread apart in the left-right direction. When the protruding piece 65 passes between the claw portions 79b, the pressing force applied to each locking piece 79 by the protruding piece 65 is released, and the shape of the column portion 79a returns to its original shape due to the elastic force of the column portion 79a. As a result, the protruding piece 65 is sandwiched in the left-right direction by the pair of column portions 79a, and the claw portions 79b come into contact with the upper surface of the protruding piece 65.

[0057] As a result, the structure 7 is attached to the retaining member 6.

[0058] In the substrate storage container 100, the detection member 107 is placed on the holding member 6, and then the fixing member 108 is attached. The projection 108a of the fixing member 108 fits between the protruding piece 64 and the base 71, and the projection 108b of the fixing member 108 fits between the protruding piece 65 and the base 71, thereby fixing the position of the through hole 108h of the fixing member 108. However, due to dimensional tolerances, the vertical length of the protruding piece 64, the vertical length of the opening 74c of the wall portion 74, and the vertical length of the projection 108a may deviate from the design values. In this case, although the projection 108a fits between the protruding piece 64 and the base 71, a slight gap may remain, and the precise positioning of the fixing member 108 may not be possible.

[0059] Similarly, the vertical length of the protruding piece 65, the vertical length of the opening 75c in the wall portion 75, and the vertical length of the projection 108b may deviate from the design values. In this case, although the projection 108b fits between the protruding piece 65 and the base portion 71, a slight gap may be created, making it impossible to precisely position the fixing member 108. Consequently, the position of the through hole 108h of the fixing member 108 may not be precisely determined.

[0060] On the other hand, in the substrate storage container 1, the structure 7, which includes the fixing part 72, the detection part 73, and the mounting part 77, is formed as an integrally molded product. The structure 7 is attached to the holding member 6 by the mounting part 77 engaging with the protruding pieces 64 and 65 of the holding member 6, which is joined to the bottom plate 22 of the container body 2. Therefore, since two parts, the structure 7 and the holding member 6, engage with each other, the number of places where clearances may occur is reduced compared to the substrate storage container 100 in which three parts engage, and the position of the fixing part 72 (through hole 72h) can be stabilized. As a result, the substrate storage container 1 can be fixed to the external device more stably.

[0061] In the substrate storage container 1, the structure 7 is used instead of the detection member 107 and the fixing member 108. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced, and the burden of managing the number of parts can be eased. In the substrate storage container 1, the structure 7 can be attached to the holding member 6 simply by engaging the mounting portion 77 of the structure 7 with the protruding pieces 64 and 65 of the holding member 6. As a result, the manufacturing of the substrate storage container 1 can be simplified.

[0062] Specifically, a pair of locking pieces 78 provided on the protruding portion 74b of the wall portion 74 sandwich the protruding piece 64 in the left-right direction and lock onto the protruding piece 64 in the up-down direction, and a pair of locking pieces 79 provided on the protruding portion 75b of the wall portion 75 sandwich the protruding piece 65 in the left-right direction and lock onto the protruding piece 65 in the up-down direction. With this configuration, the structure 7 can be attached to the holding member 6. As a result, the manufacturing of the substrate storage container 1 can be simplified.

[0063] Since the detection member 107 and the fixing member 108 have a simple structure without an undercut shape, they can be formed by injection molding using a fixing mold plate and a movable mold plate corresponding to each member. On the other hand, in the structure 7, the base portion 71 and the fixing portion 72 overlap in the vertical direction, the protruding portion 74b and the pair of locking pieces 78 overlap in the vertical direction, and the protruding portion 75b and the pair of locking pieces 79 overlap in the vertical direction. Therefore, the structure 7 has an undercut shape.

[0064] To address this problem, each of the openings 74c and 75c extends vertically from the upper surface of the fixed portion 72 to the surface 71b of the base portion 71, and horizontally over an area including the fixed portion 72, the pair of locking pieces 78 and the pair of locking pieces 79. Furthermore, the opening 76a extends vertically from the upper surface of the sensing body 73a to the surface 71b of the base portion 71, and horizontally over an area including the fixed portion 72, the pair of locking pieces 78 and the pair of locking pieces 79. Therefore, in addition to the fixed mold plate and the movable mold plate, the structure 7 can be formed by injection molding by using a sliding mechanism inserted between the fixed mold plate and the movable mold plate through the openings 74c, 75c and the pair of openings 76a.

[0065] The substrate storage container relating to this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0066] An alternative example of the structure will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternative example of the structure. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the procedure for attaching the structure shown in Figure 8 to the holding member. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the structure shown in Figure 8 attached to the holding member. The structure 8 shown in Figures 8 to 10 is a single molded product, similar to structure 7, and is provided on the container body 2. Structure 8 is configured to be detachably attached to the holding member 6. Structure 8 includes a flat plate portion 81, a cylindrical portion 82, and a mounting portion 83.

[0067] The flat plate portion 81 is a plate-like part having an H-shape in plan view. The flat plate portion 81 has a surface 81a and a surface 81b. Surface 81a is the surface facing the base portion 61 when the structure 8 is attached to the holding member 6. Surface 81b is the surface opposite to surface 81a. Surface 81b is the surface facing downwards when the structure 8 is attached to the holding member 6. The flat plate portion 81 includes a main body portion 84 and a detection portion 85. The main body portion 84 is a rectangular portion. The detection portion 85 is provided along both the left and right edges of the main body portion 84. The main body portion 84 is provided with a through hole 84h that penetrates the main body portion 84 from surface 81a to surface 81b. The through hole 84h is an elongated hole extending in the front-rear direction. The through hole 84h is provided near the center of the main body portion 84.

[0068] The detection unit 85 is the part for an external device to detect the substrate storage container 1. The detection unit 85 includes a pair of detection bodies 85a and a protrusion 85b. The pair of detection bodies 85a have a plate-like shape that extends in the front-rear direction. The pair of detection bodies 85a are arranged so as to sandwich the main body 84 in the left-right direction. Each detection body 85a has a detection surface 85c. The detection surface 85c is the part of the surface 81b that is included in the detection body 85a, and is the surface that faces downward when the structure 8 is attached to the holding member 6. The detection surface 85c functions as a sensing pad that is detected by an external device, similar to the detection surface 73b. The protrusion 85b is the part for positioning the structure 8. The protrusion 85b is a raised portion provided on the surface (surface 81a) of one of the detection bodies 85a opposite to the detection surface 85c. The protrusion 85b has a shape that fits into the groove 62a.

[0069] The cylindrical portion 82 has a cylindrical shape. In this example, the cylindrical portion 82 has a cylindrical shape. With the structure 8 attached to the holding member 6, the central axis of the cylindrical portion 82 extends in the vertical direction. The cylindrical portion 82 has a first end 82a and a second end 82b. The first end 82a and the second end 82b are the ends in the direction in which the central axis of the cylindrical portion 82 extends. The first end 82a is open. The second end 82b is provided on the surface 81a of the flat plate portion 81 so as to surround the through hole 84h. The cylindrical portion 82 defines a space V. The space V communicates with the outside through the through hole 84h. The cylindrical portion 82 and the portion of the flat plate portion 81 that covers the second end 82b of the cylindrical portion 82 constitute a fixing part for fixing the substrate storage container 1 to an external device.

[0070] The mounting portion 83 is the part that attaches the structure 8 to the holding member 6 by engaging with the protruding pieces 64 and 65. The mounting portion 83 includes projections 83a (first projection) and 83b (second projection). Projections 83a and 83b are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 82 at the first end 82a. Projections 83a and 83b are provided substantially point-symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical portion 82 and protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 82 in opposite directions. Projection 83a fits between the protruding piece 64 and the bottom plate 22 (base portion 61). Projection 83b fits between the protruding piece 65 and the bottom plate 22 (base portion 61).

[0071] Furthermore, with the structure 8 attached to the holding member 6, the sensing surface 63a is covered by the main body 84. Therefore, the portion of the surface 81b of the main body 84 that overlaps with the sensing surface 63a in the vertical direction functions as a sensing pad detected by an external device.

[0072] Next, the method for attaching the structure 8 to the retaining member 6 will be described. First, the orientation of the structure 8 is adjusted around the central axis of the cylindrical portion 82 so that the projections 83a and 83b do not interfere with the protruding pieces 64 and 65, and the projections 83a and 83b are placed on the connecting portion 61c. Then, the structure 8 is rotated around the central axis of the cylindrical portion 82 until the protrusion 85b fits into the groove 62a. As a result, the projection 83a fits between the protruding piece 64 and the bottom surface 22a (base portion 61), and the projection 83b fits between the protruding piece 65 and the bottom surface 22a (base portion 61). With the above steps, the structure 8 is attached to the retaining member 6.

[0073] In the substrate storage container 1 including the structure 8, the same effects and advantages as in the substrate storage container 1 including the structure 7 are achieved with respect to the configuration common to the substrate storage container 1 including the structure 7. Furthermore, in the substrate storage container 1 including the structure 8, the structure 8 can be attached to the holding member 6 simply by fitting the projection 83a provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 82 between the protruding piece 64 of the holding member 6 and the bottom surface 22a of the bottom plate 22, and fitting the projection 83b provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 82 between the protruding piece 65 of the holding member 6 and the bottom surface 22a of the bottom plate 22. As a result, the manufacturing of the substrate storage container 1 can be simplified. The projection 83a makes contact with the protruding piece 64 over a larger area than the claw portion 78b of the locking piece 78. Similarly, the projection 83b makes contact with the protruding piece 65 over a larger area than the claw portion 79b of the locking piece 79. Therefore, compared to structure 7, the mounting strength between structure 8 and retaining member 6 is increased, which reduces the possibility of structure 8 unintentionally detaching from retaining member 6. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1...Substrate storage container, 2...Container body, 6...Holding member, 7,8...Structure, 20...Storage space, 22...Bottom plate, 22a...Bottom surface, 62...Restricting part (first restricting part), 62a...Groove, 63...Restricting part (second restricting part), 64...Protruding piece (first protruding piece), 65...Protruding piece (second protruding piece), 72...Fixing part, 72a...Front end (first end), 72b...Rear end (second end), 73...Detection part, 73a...Detection body 74...Wall section (first wall section), 74b...Protruding section (first protruding section), 75...Wall section (second wall section), 75b...Protruding section (second protruding section), 76...Side wall section, 77, 83...Mounting section, 78...Locking piece (first locking piece), 79...Locking piece (second locking piece), 82...Cylindrical section, 83a...Projection (first projection), 83b...Projection (second projection), 85...Detection section, 85a...Detection body, 85b...Convex section.

Claims

1. A circuit board storage container, A container body having a bottom plate that defines a storage space for housing circuit boards, A structure which is an integrally molded product provided on the container body, A retaining member joined to the bottom plate and detachably holding the structure to the container body, Equipped with, The bottom plate has a bottom surface that faces the outside of the substrate storage container. The aforementioned retaining member is A first restricting portion and a second restricting portion face each other in a first direction along the bottom surface and restrict the movement of the structure in the first direction, A first protruding piece is provided in the first restricting portion, and is spaced apart from the bottom surface in a second direction intersecting the bottom surface, and protrudes toward the second restricting portion in the first direction, The second regulating portion is provided with a second protruding piece that is spaced apart from the bottom surface in the second direction and protrudes toward the first regulating portion in the first direction, The aforementioned structure is The aforementioned substrate housing container includes a fixing part for fixing it to an external device, The external device includes a detection unit for detecting the substrate housing container, A mounting portion that attaches the structure to the holding member by engaging with the first and second protruding pieces, It comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion that face each other in the first direction and support the fixed portion, The fixing portion is a plate-shaped member facing the bottom surface, and has a first end and a second end which are both ends in the first direction. The first wall portion includes a first projection that protrudes toward the second wall portion in the first direction and is connected to the first end, The second wall portion includes a second projection that protrudes toward the first wall portion in the first direction and is connected to the second end, The aforementioned mounting portion is A pair of first locking pieces are provided on the first protrusion, sandwiching the first protrusion in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and engaging with the first protrusion in the second direction, A substrate storage container comprising: a pair of second locking pieces provided on the second protrusion, which sandwich the second protrusion in the third direction and lock onto the second protrusion in the second direction.

2. A circuit board storage container, A container body having a bottom plate that defines a storage space for housing circuit boards, A structure which is an integrally molded product provided on the container body, A retaining member joined to the bottom plate and detachably holding the structure to the container body, Equipped with, The bottom plate has a bottom surface that faces the outside of the substrate storage container. The aforementioned retaining member is A first restricting portion and a second restricting portion face each other in a first direction along the bottom surface and restrict the movement of the structure in the first direction, A first protruding piece is provided in the first restricting portion, and is spaced apart from the bottom surface in a second direction intersecting the bottom surface, and protrudes toward the second restricting portion in the first direction, The second regulating portion is provided with a second protruding piece that is spaced apart from the bottom surface in the second direction and protrudes toward the first regulating portion in the first direction, The aforementioned structure is The aforementioned substrate housing container includes a fixing part for fixing it to an external device, The external device includes a detection unit for detecting the substrate housing container, The structure is attached to the retaining member by engaging with the first and second protruding pieces, The fixing portion includes a cylindrical portion extending in the second direction, The aforementioned mounting portion is A first projection is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion and fits between the first protruding piece and the bottom surface, A substrate storage container comprising a second projection provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, which fits between the second protruding piece and the bottom surface.

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