Pod clamping unit load port equipped with pod clamping unit and mini environment system including pod and load port

摘要

The invention is directed to a pod clamping unit for fixing a pod to a support table in a load port, the pod including a pod body capable of storing a wafer in the interior thereof and a lid, the load port having a pod opener that opens/closes the lid. The pod clamping unit includes a clamp portion that is provided on the support table and adapted to engage with a first engagement portion provided on a lower surface of the pod body to restrict upward movement of the pod relative to the support table, a restriction pin that is movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the support table and adapted to engage with a second engagement portion provided on the lower surface of the pod body to restrict movement of the pod in a disengaging direction that causes disengagement between the first engagement portion and the clamp portion, and a vertically driving portion that moves the restriction pin up to/down from the second engagement portion.