Patent ID: 6913669
Filing Date: 2005-07-05
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. A retaining ring to be fitted on a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus for semiconductor wafers, comprising: a carrier ring made of a first material and having fitting elements for fitting the carrier ring on the polishing apparatus; a bearing ring made of a plastic material, arranged concentrically on the carrier ring, the bearing ring resting with a first front side on a polishing surface of the polishing apparatus and being held on its side axially opposed to the first front side releasably, non-rotatably, with a positive and/or frictional connection and without adhesive on the carrier ring; one or more ring channels formed by complementary aligned surfaces of the bearing and carrier rings in the fitted state thereof; one or more ring shared sealing elements providing a vacuum tight seal for the one or more ring channels; and a closable opening leading from the outside of the retaining ring to the one or more ring channels, the opening being provided in the carrier ring or the bearing ring; the first material having a higher rigidity than the plastic material of the bearing ring.