Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for the inward and outward transfer of a workpiece, particularly of a disk-shaped substrate in a vacuum chamber having a coating system comprising a cathode station. A conveyor means designed as a rotary table is situated inside the vacuum chamber. The rotary table accepts substrate holders which are designed as turned parts. A supporting plate is provided in the region of the inward transfer station. It supports the substrate holder and prevents a sagging thereof. The supporting plate also presses the substrate holder against the inside wall of the vacuum chamber; i.e. against a seal situated in the inside wall. As a result thereof, an air-tight separation of the inward transfer chamber from the vacuum chamber and from the atmosphere is achieved. A considerable reduction in the moved masses of the rotating component parts is achieved by a skillful designing and arrangement of the component parts. A reduction in the mass moments of inertia associated therewith results since the process cycles of the coating system can sequence more quickly.

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First Claim