SUBSTRATE HOLDER AND SUBSTRATE TREATMENT APPARATUS

Provided is a substrate holder and a substrate treatment apparatus capable of positioning a substrate even in a case in which the substrate receives a frictional force and the like from a support surface. A substrate holder 200 according to the present invention includes: a first holding member 300; a second holding member 500 adapted to pinch a substrate W with the first holding member 300; three or more positioning members 360 including contact surfaces 342 that come into contact with side end portions of the substrate W; a first moving member 380 including a plurality of engaging portions 384 that are engaged with the positioning members 360 such that the positioning members 360 with a state in which distances of an ideal axis L and contact surfaces 376 of the positioning members 360 are equal to each other maintained; and a first biasing member 310 adapted to bias the first moving member 380, in which the first moving member 380 delivers a biasing force of the first biasing member 310 to each of the positioning members 360, and the positioning members 360 are biased in a direction in which the contact surfaces 376 approaches the ideal axis L with the delivered biasing force.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a substrate holder and a substrate treatment apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

In order to form thin metal films on surfaces of substrates, plating apparatuses are used. In the plating apparatuses, substrate holders that detachably hold substrates such as semiconductor wafers may be used. Also, the plating apparatuses are adapted to plate the surfaces of the substrates by immersing the substrates held by the substrate holders in plating solutions and applying voltages to the substrates.

One example of the substrate holders is described in PTL 1. PTL 1 discloses a substrate holder including: a first holding member that includes a first surface configured to come into contact with a substrate; and a second holding member that holds the substrate by pinching the substrate with the first holding member as illustrated inFIG. 3thereof. Also, the first holding member of the substrate holder includes a positioning member that positions the substrate in contact with the first surface at a predetermined position on the first surface. In addition, the positioning member is configured to move between a first position at which the positioning member comes into contact with a peripheral edge portion of the substrate and positions the substrate at the predetermined position on the first surface and a second position at which the positioning member is located on a side further outward than the peripheral edge portion of the substrate and does not come into contact with the substrate. The second holding member includes a drive member configured to locate the positioning member at the first position when the substrate is held by the first holding member and the second holding member.

Also, the positioning member includes a distal end portion in the substrate holder as illustrated inFIG. 7thereof. The distal end portion is split into a first distal end portion and a second distal end portion, and a space is generated between the first distal end portion and the second distal end portion. The first distal end portion is located inward in a radial direction of the substrate, and the second distal end portion is located outward in the radial direction of the substrate. Also, the first distal end portion is configured to come into contact with the substrate, and the second distal end portion is configured to come into contact with the drive member.

According to the substrate holder described in PTL 1, the drive member comes into contact with the second distal end portion and can move the position member to the first position when the substrate is held by the first holding member and the second holding member. At this time, the substrate holder can position the substrate by the first distal end portion of the positioning member that has moved to the first position coming into contact with the substrate. Here, the space is present between the first distal end portion and the second end portion as described above. Therefore, the first distal end portion can come into contact with the substrate with slight elasticity, and even in a case of a substrate with a size difference of several mm, the positioning member can position the substrate with a different size with the first distal end portion absorbing the dimension difference of several mm.

Also, another example of the substrate holders is described in PTL 2. PTL 2 discloses a substrate holder including: a movable holding member, and a fixed holding member as illustrated inFIG. 10thereof. The substrate holder is characterized by being provided, at the movable holding member, with a plurality of leaf spring members with a spring property that elastically come into contact with an outer peripheral end portion of a substrate and position the substrate when the substrate is held by the movable holding member and the fixed holding member.

According to the substrate holder described in PTL 2, it is possible to position (center) the substrate relative to the substrate holder via the leaf spring members by biasing the substrate inward with an elastic force of the leaf spring members with the spring property in a process of holding the substrate.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

Yet higher levels of positioning accuracy for substrates have been required with evolution of devices. On the other hand, PTL 2 describes that the plurality of leaf spring members (positioning members) with elasticity are disposed to position a substrate as described above. However, since the leaf spring members that individually have elasticity mutually push the substrate in presence of a frictional force and the like between the substrate and a support surface, in practice, the amount of deformation of the leaf spring members may not necessarily the same as a result, and in other words, there is a problem that holding of the substrate is completed with insufficient positioning accuracy for the substrate.

Also, the substrate holder described in PTL 1 has a problem that is basically similar to that of the substrate holder described in PTL 2 since the space between the first distal end portion and the second distal end portion have an effect similar to that of the leaf spring members described in PTL 2.

Thus, in view of the aforementioned problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a substrate holder and a substrate treatment apparatus capable of positioning a substrate even in a case in which the substrate receives a frictional force and the like from a support surface.

Solution to Problem

A substrate holder according to the present invention is a substrate holder that includes a support surface for supporting a substrate and positions the substrate such that a center axis of the substrate is located on an ideal axis extending in a direction perpendicularly intersecting the support surface, the substrate holder including: a first holding member; a second holding member adapted to pinch the substrate with the first holding member; three or more positioning members including contact surfaces that come into contact with side end portions of the substrate; a first moving member including a plurality of engaging portions that are engaged with the positioning members such that the positioning members are moved at the same time with a state in which distances between the ideal axis and the contact surfaces of the positioning members are equal to each other maintained; and a first biasing member adapted to bias the first moving member, in which the first moving member delivers a biasing force of the first biasing member to each of the positioning members via the engaging portions, and each of the positioning members is biased in a direction in which the contact surfaces approach the ideal axis with the biasing force delivered from the first biasing member.

In the substrate holder according to the present invention, each of the positioning members is biased in a direction in which the contact surfaces approach the ideal axis. Therefore, in a case in which the substrate is placed on the support surface, the contact surfaces of the positioning members come into contact with the side end portions of the substrate and push the substrate in the direction of the ideal axis. In this manner, the three or more positioning members position the substrate by pinching the substrate from the surroundings thereof. At this time, the first moving member maintains the state in which the distances between the ideal axis and the contact surfaces of the positioning members are equal to each other. Therefore, if the substrate has a circular shape, then the three or more positioning members can position the center of the pinched substrate on the ideal axis. As a result, the center of the substrate after the positioning is located on the ideal axis even in a case in which the substrate receives a frictional force and the like from the support surface. In other words, the substrate holder can position the substrate even in a case in which the substrate receives a frictional force and the like from the support surface.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an overall configuration of a plating apparatus100including a substrate holder200according to the present embodiment will be described. Next, a configuration of the substrate holder200according to the present embodiment will be described. Then, a method for pinching a positioned substrate W in the substrate holder200will be described. Then, effects of the substrate holder200will be described. Then, modification examples of the substrate holder200will be described. Note that the same reference signs will be applied to the same or corresponding components in the drawings described below and repeated description will be omitted.

<Overall Configuration of Plating Apparatus>

FIG. 1is an overall disposition diagram of a plating apparatus100that performs a plating treatment using a substrate holder200according to a first embodiment. Referring toFIG. 1, the plating apparatus100includes two cassette tables102, an aligner104, a spin rinse dryer106, a substrate transfer device108, and a substrate attachment/detachment120. Although the plating apparatus100is a wet-type vertical electroplating apparatus in one example, the plating apparatus100may be of a horizontal type and may be an electroplating apparatus or an electroless plating apparatus of a dry type. Also, the plating apparatus100performs plating on the substrate W with a circular shape in one example.

First, each component of the plating apparatus100will be described. The cassette tables102have a function of being loaded with a cassette103accommodating the substrate W such as a semiconductor wafer therein. The spin rinse dryer106has a function of rotating the substrate W after the plating treatment at a high speed to dry the substrate W. The substrate attachment/detachment120includes two placement plates122. The substrate attachment/detachment120performs attachment and detachment of the substrate W to and from the substrate holder200placed on the placement plates122.

The substrate transfer device108is disposed in the middle of the cassette table102, the aligner104, the spin rinse dryer106, and the substrate attachment/detachment120. The substrate transfer device108has a function of transferring the substrate W among the cassette table102, the aligner104, the spin rinse dryer106, and the substrate attachment/detachment120. The substrate transfer device108is constituted by a transfer robot in one example.

The plating apparatus100further includes a stocker124, a pre-wet tank126, a pre-soak tank128, a first washing tank130a, a blow tank132, a second washing tank130b, and a plating unit160. The stocker124performs storage and temporary placement of the substrate holder200. The pre-wet tank126holds pure water. The pre-wet tank126enhances hydrophilicity of the substrate W by immersing the substrate W in pure water and wetting the surface. The pre-soak tank128holds a sulfuric acid. The pre-soak tank128has a function of etching-removing an oxide film on the surface of a conductive layer such as a seed layer or the like formed on the surface of the substrate W with the sulfuric acid. The first washing tank130aholds a washing solution (such as pure water). The first washing tank130acan wash the substrate W after the pre-soaking along with the substrate holder200with the washing solution (such as pure water). The blow tank132has a function of performing liquid removing from the substrate W after the washing. The second washing tank130bhas a function of washing the substrate W after the plating along with the substrate holder200with the washing solution.

The plating unit160includes a plurality of adjacent plating tanks162and an overflow tank164that surrounds the outer periphery of the plurality of plating tanks162in one example. Each plating tank162accommodates one substrate W therein and is configured to immerse the substrate W into a plating solution held therein and performs plating, such as copper plating, on the surface of the substrate W in one example. Note that the pre-wet tank126, the pre-soak tank128, the first washing tank130a, the blow tank132, the second washing tank130b, and the plating tank162can be referred to as treatment tanks180. In other words, the treatment tanks180are tanks for treating the substrate W.

The plating apparatus100further includes a substrate holder transfer device190. Also, the substrate holder transfer device190includes a horizontal rail192, a first transporter194a, and a second transporter194b. Note that the first transporter194aand the second transporter194bhave the same structure and each of the first transporter194aand the second transporter194bcan be simply referred to as a transporter194. The substrate holder transfer device190is located on a side of the substrate attachment/detachment120, the stocker124, the pre-wet tank126, the pre-soak tank128, the first washing tank130a, the blow tank132, the second washing tank130b, and the plating unit160that are linearly aligned. A linear motor scheme is employed for the substrate holder transfer device190in one example. The horizontal rail192linear extends to be adjacent to each of the treatment tanks180that are linearly aligned.

The first transporter194ais configured to transfer the substrate holder200among the substrate attachment/detachment120, the stocker124, the pre-wet tank126, the pre-soak tank128, the first washing tank130a, and the blow tank132in one example. The second transporter194bis configured to transfer the substrate holder200among the first washing tank130a, the second washing tank130b, the blow tank132, and the plating tank162in one example.

Next, the substrate holder200used in the plating apparatus100illustrated inFIG. 1will be described in detail.FIG. 2is a perspective view of the substrate holder200. Referring toFIG. 2, the substrate holder200includes a first member300(an example of the first holding member), a second member500(an example of the second holding member), a hinge220, and a pair of hands240. The second member500includes a seal holder540with an annular shape and a base portion502with a flat plate shape extending from the seal holder540to the hinge220and supported by the hinge220. Also, the hinge220connects the second member500to the first member300. Therefore, the second member500is configured to be rotatable using the hinge220as a support point. Also, the substrate holder200can pinch the substrate W with the first member300and the second member500by the second member500rotating and closing. In other words, the substrate holder200has a function of holding the substrate W. An opening504is formed in the second member500. The opening504is slightly smaller than the size of the substrate W. When the substrate W is pinched between the first member300and the second member500, a surface to be treated of the substrate W is exposed through the opening504. In other words, a treatment solution in the treatment tank180can come into contact with the exposed surface to be treated of the substrate W when the substrate holder200is held at the treatment tank180. In this manner, a treatment is performed on the surface to be treated of the substrate W.

The pair of hands240are fixed to an end portion of the first member300. Each hand240has a T shape and serves as a support when the substrate holder200is transferred or supported in a suspended manner in one example. The substrate holder200is supported in a vertically suspended state by the hands240being hooked at a peripheral wall upper surface of each treatment tank180illustrated inFIG. 1. In addition, the transporter194can grip the hands240and transfers the substrate holder200in a state in which the hands240are gripped. Also, one of the hands240is provided with an external contact242that is electrically connected to an external power source. The external contacts242are electrically connected to a plurality of conductive members306(seeFIGS. 3 and 4) provided at the outer periphery of the base340via a plurality of conductive wires.

FIG. 3is a schematic view of the substrate holder200when seen from the front direction, andFIG. 4is a partial enlarged view of the substrate holder200in a state in which the substrate W is held along a cut plane in the thickness direction of the substrate holder200. Referring toFIG. 4, the first member300further includes a plurality of clampers302, a fastening tool304, a first support base320, a second support base330, a base340, and the conductive members306. Also, the second member500further includes a pressure ring506, a spacer512, a first fixing ring514, a second fixing ring516, a substrate sealing member518, a holder sealing member520, a fastening tool522, a fastening tool524, contact members526, and a fastening tool528.

The first support base320has substantially a rectangular flat shape and is constituted by vinyl chloride in one example (seeFIG. 3). The second support base330and the plurality of clampers302are fixed to the first support base320. The second support base330has substantially a disk shape. The base340is fixed to the second support base330. The base340has a function of supporting the substrate W. The base340has a support surface342that has a ring shape around a center axis L and abuts an outer peripheral portion of the substrate W to support the substrate W. Note that the center axis L and the support surface342perpendicularly intersect each other (seeFIG. 2). In other words, the center axis L extends in a direction that is perpendicular to the support surface342.

The seal holder540is constituted by vinyl chloride in one example. Also, the first fixing ring514with an annular shape is attached to the seal holder540with the fastening tool522. In addition, the substrate sealing member518with an annular shape is pinched with the seal holder540and the first fixing ring514. Additionally, the second fixing ring516with an annular shape is attached to the seal holder540with the fastening tool524. Also, the holder sealing member520with an annular shape is pinched with the seal holder540and the second fixing ring516. In other words, the substrate sealing member518and the holder sealing member520are attached to the seal holder540. Note that the centers of the seal holder540, the substrate sealing member518, and the holder sealing member520in one example are located on the center axis L in one example in the substrate holder200.

The substrate sealing member518comes into contact with a portion near the outer periphery portion of the surface of the substrate W when the substrate holder200holds the substrate W. The substrate sealing member518has a function of sealing a clearance between the substrate W and the second member500in this manner. On the other hand, the holder sealing member520comes into contact with the first member300when the substrate holder200holds the substrate W. The holder sealing member520has a function of sealing a clearance between the first member300and the second member500in this manner. Therefore, if the substrate holder200holds the substrate W, then an inner space R1sealed by each of the substrate sealing member518and the holder sealing member520is formed inside the substrate holder200as illustrated inFIG. 4.

The plurality of clampers302have a function of being engaged with protrusions508, which will be described later, and fixing the second member500to the first member300along with the protrusions508. The clampers302have inverted L shapes and have projecting portions303projecting in the direction of the support surface342. Also, the clampers302are disposed at substantially equal intervals along the surroundings of the support surface342(seeFIG. 3), and each clamper302is fixed to the first support base320with the fastening tool304.

Also, a step portion542is formed at the outer peripheral portion of the seal holder540. The pressure ring506is rotatably attached to the step portion542via the spacer512. The pressure ring506is constituted by a metal (titanium, for example) with excellent corrosion resistance against acids and with sufficient rigidity in one example. The spacer512is constituted by a material with a low friction coefficient such that the pressure ring506can smoothly rotate. Note that the spacer512is constituted by a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in the substrate holder200in one example.

Also, the pressure ring506has the protrusions508. The protrusions508are provided to project outward from the pressure ring506at positions facing the plurality of clampers302(seeFIG. 3). Additionally, upper surfaces of the protrusions508are tapered surfaces inclined along the rotation direction of the pressure ring506, and lower surfaces of the projecting portions303of the clampers302that come into contact with the upper surfaces of the protrusions508are also inclined tapered surfaces. Moreover, the protrusions508and the clampers302are configured such that the protrusions508slides into the projecting portions303of the clampers302by the pressure ring506rotating in a clockwise direction. In other words, the second member500is fixed to the first member300by the pressure ring506rotating in the clockwise direction. On the other hand, the fixing of the second member500to the first member300is released by the pressure ring506rotating in the counterclockwise direction.

Also, recessed portions344are formed at predetermined positions along the circumferential direction of the base340as illustrated inFIG. 3. The plurality of (twelve in the illustration) conductive members306are disposed in each recessed portion344. Also, end portions of the conductive members306are configured to come into contact with the contact members526when the second member500is closed as illustrated inFIG. 4. On the other hand, the contact members526are configured to be separated from the conductive members306when the second member500is opened.

Also, the contact members526are located in the inner space R1and are constituted by conductive leaf springs in one example. The contact members526are secured to the seal holder540with the fastening tool528. Also, the contact members526are configured to come into elastic contact with the vicinity of the edges of the substrate W on the surface to be treated when the first member300and the second substrate500pinch the substrate W. In other words, when the substrate holder200pinches the substrate W, electric continuity is established between the external contacts242of the hands240and the substrate W. Note that the numbers of contact members526provided is the same as the number (twelve in the substrate holder200) of the conductive members306.

FIG. 5is a front view of a part of the first member300in the substrate holder200. Referring toFIG. 5, the first member300further includes six positioning members360disposed to surround the support surface342. The substrate holder200has a function of positioning the substrate W relative to the substrate holder200using the positioning members360by a method, which will be described later. Note that in the specification, positioning means moving of the substrate W to the position at which the center of the substrate W is located on an ideal axis. Also, the ideal axis is a straight line that passes through a position at which the center of the substrate W is to be located and is perpendicular to the support surface342in the substrate holder200. Moreover, the ideal axis conforms to the center axis L in the present embodiment. Therefore, in a case in which the ideal axis indicates the straight line L in the drawing, the ideal axis is described as an ideal axis L.

FIG. 6is a sectional view along A-A inFIG. 5and is a diagram illustrating the positioning member360located at a first position.FIG. 7is a sectional view along A-A inFIG. 5and is a diagram illustrating the positioning member360located at a second position. Also,FIG. 8is a sectional perspective view of the positioning member360. Note that a seat308is omitted for easiness of viewing inFIG. 8.

Referring toFIG. 8, the positioning member360is a member with substantially an L shape and includes a support member362, an L-shaped member364, and two fastening tools366in one example. The support member362is a rectangular parallelepiped block-shaped member, and a groove368linearly extending in the longitudinal direction is formed therein. Also, the support member362includes pins370(an example of the engaged portions370) extending in parallel with the ideal axis L in a surface on the side opposite to the surface in which the groove368is formed. The L-shaped member364is a member with substantially an L shape and includes a fixed portion372and a distal end portion374that substantially perpendicularly intersects the fixed portion372and extends up to a portion above the support surface342. The L-shaped member364is fixed to the support member362with two fastening tools366in a state in which the fixed portion372is fitted into the groove368in the support member362. Also, the distal end portion374comes into contact with the substrate W at the time of the positioning of the substrate W. The surface that comes into contact with the substrate W will be referred to as a contact surface376. In other words, the positioning member360includes the contact surface376for establishing contact with a side end portion of the substrate W.

Moreover, a groove332with a linear shape extending in a radial direction of a virtual circle VC (seeFIG. 5) around the ideal axis L is formed in the second support base330. The positioning member360is fitted into the groove332. The positioning member360can thus move along the groove332. More specifically, the positioning member360can move from the first position away from the ideal axis L as illustrated inFIG. 6to the second position at which the positioning member360is closer to the ideal axis L than at the first position as illustrated inFIG. 7. Note that the distance between the ideal axis L and the contact surface376when the positioning member360is at the first position is longer than the radius of the substrate W while the distance between the ideal axis L and the contact surface376when the positioning member360is at the second position is shorter than the radius of the substrate W.

Also, the first member300further includes the seat308located between a first moving member380, which will be described later, and the first support base320(seeFIG. 6). The seat308is constituted by Teflon (registered trademark) in one example. In this manner, friction between the first moving member380and the first support base320when the first moving member380rotates is reduced.

FIG. 9is a partial sectional view of the substrate holder200when seen from the back direction. The first support base320is omitted inside the sectional line900inFIG. 9.FIG. 10is an enlarged view of the portion B inFIG. 9. The direction indicated by the arrow902inFIG. 9is defined as a first rotation direction902, and the rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction902is defined as a second rotation direction904.

Referring toFIG. 9, the first member300further includes the first moving member380. The first moving member380is a member with an arc shape in one example. Also, the first moving member380includes a pair of side surfaces382extending in the circumferential direction of the virtual circle VC around the ideal axis L. In addition, a groove334with an arc shape around the ideal axis L is formed in the second support base330. Moreover, the second support base330includes a plurality of guide members336. The guide members336have a function of coming into contact with each of the side surfaces382of the first moving member380to guide the first moving member380in the circumferential direction of the virtual circle VC around the ideal axis L. Therefore, the first moving member380is guided by the plurality of guide members336in a state in which the first moving member380is fitted into the groove334. In other words, the first moving member380is configured to be rotatable about the ideal axis L.

Also, a plurality of long holes384(an example of the engaging portions384) corresponding to the positioning members360are formed in the first moving member380as illustrated inFIG. 9. Also, the longitudinal direction of the long holes384are directions that intersect the radial direction and the circumferential direction of the virtual circle VC around the ideal axis L. The long holes384are engaged with pins370of the positioning members360(seeFIG. 10). In this manner, if the first moving member380rotates, then the positioning members360move in conjunction with the first moving member380. Specifically, if the first moving member380rotates in the second rotation direction904when the positioning members360are at the first position as illustrated inFIG. 6, then the long holes384move, and the pins370engaged with the long holes384are pulled in the direction of the ideal axis L by side peripheral surfaces of the long holes384. Also, the positioning members360move in the direction of the ideal axis L with a tensile force from the side peripheral surfaces of the long holes384and then reaches the second position illustrated inFIG. 7. On the other hand, in a case in which the first moving member380rotates in the first rotation direction902when the first moving member380is at the second position illustrated inFIG. 7, the positioning members360are pulled in the direction away from the ideal axis L and moves to the first position illustrated inFIG. 6. Note that since the positioning members360and the first moving member380are connected as described above in the substrate holder200, no biasing members such as leaf springs or elastic springs for biasing the positioning members360are present between the positioning members360and the first moving member380.

Also, the plurality of long holes384move at once when the first moving member380rotates. In this manner, the first moving member380can cause each of the plurality of positioning members360to operate at the same time. In other words, if the first moving member380rotates, then the rotation of the first moving member380is delivered to the positioning members360via the long holes384and the pins370, and the positioning members360move in the radial direction of the virtual circle VC around the ideal axis L. Also, the positioning members360and the first moving member380are configured to maintain a state in which the distances between the ideal axis L and the contact surfaces376of the positioning members360are equal to each other when the positioning members360move.

FIG. 11is an enlarged view of the portion C inFIG. 9and is a diagram illustrating the second moving member390located at a steady-state position, and inFIG. 11, a second pressurized surface388abuts a second pressurizing surface400. Also,FIG. 12is an enlarged view of the portion C inFIG. 9and is a diagram illustrating the second moving member390located at a displaced position and the second pressurized surface388abutting the second pressurizing surface400.FIG. 13is an enlarged view of the portion C inFIG. 9and is a diagram illustrating the second moving member390located at the displaced position and the second pressurized surface388separated from the second pressurizing surface400.

Referring toFIG. 11, the first member300includes the second moving member390and a guide member314. The second moving member390is a part indicated by hatching inFIG. 11. The second moving member390is fitted into the groove334in the second support base330. Also, the second moving member390includes a rotation member392with an arc shape and an abutted member394extending in the radial direction of the virtual circle VC around the ideal axis L from the rotation member392. The rotation member392includes a pair of side surfaces396extending in the circumferential direction of the virtual circle VC around the ideal axis L. Also, the guide member314is located inside the groove334in the second support base330. Additionally, the guide member314has a function of coming into contact with each of the side surfaces396of the rotation member392and guiding the rotation member392in the circumferential direction of the virtual circle VC around the ideal axis L. The second moving member390is configured to be rotatable about the ideal axis L in this manner. Also, rotation is restricted by the second moving member390abutting the second support base330. The second moving member390can thus rotate from the steady-state position illustrated inFIG. 11to the displaced position illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13. Note that the displaced position is a position where the second moving member390has moved in the second rotation direction904from the steady-state position and has then stopped in one example.

Also, the first member300includes a plurality of first biasing members310. The first biasing members310are members with elasticity and are springs in one example. Additionally, the second moving member390includes a plurality of first pressurizing surfaces398in one example. The first moving member380includes first pressurized surfaces386facing the first pressurizing surfaces398in one example. The first biasing members310are located between the first pressurized surfaces386and the first pressurizing surfaces398and bias the first moving member380in the second rotation direction904via the first pressurized surfaces386. In other words, the first biasing members310are in a compressed state. When the first moving member380rotates in the second rotation direction904with a biasing force from the first biasing members310, the biasing force of the first biasing members310is delivered to the positioning members360via the long holes384and the pins370. As a result, the contact surfaces376are biased in the direction toward the ideal axis L with the biasing force delivered from the first biasing members310(seeFIG. 9). Then, the positioning members360move in the radial direction of the virtual circle VC around the ideal axis L. In other words, the first moving member380has a function of delivering the biasing force of the first biasing member310to each of the positioning members360.

Also, the second moving member390includes the second pressurizing surface400in one example, and the first moving member380includes the second pressurized surface388facing the second pressurizing surface400in one example. In addition, the first moving member380is biased in the direction in which the second pressurized surface388approaches the second pressurizing surface400, and the second pressurized surface388abuts the second pressurizing surface400by the first biasing member310biasing the first moving member380(seeFIG. 9).

Here, a behavior of each component in a case in which the second moving member390rotates in the second rotation direction904from the steady-state position illustrated inFIG. 11will be described. In a case in which the second moving member390receives an external force and rotates in the second rotation direction904from the steady-state position when there is no substrate W on the base340, the second pressurized surface388rotates along with the second pressurizing surface400without being separated therefrom as illustrated inFIG. 12. In other words, when the second moving member390rotates about the ideal axis L, the first moving member380rotates in the same rotation direction as that of the second moving member390. At this time, the aforementioned positioning members360move in the direction toward the ideal axis L in conjunction with rotation of the first moving member380.

On the other hand, in a case in which the second moving member390receives an external force and rotates in the second rotation direction904from the steady-state position when the substrate W is placed on the base340, the second pressurized surface388initially rotates along with the second pressurizing surface400similarly to the case where no substrate W is placed on the base340. At this time, the positioning members360move in the direction toward the ideal axis L in conjunction with the rotation of the first moving member380. However, if each positioning member360has pinched the side end portion of the substrate W, and the positioning members360have completed the positioning of the substrate W, it becomes not possible for the positioning members360to move due to a reactive force from the substrate W. Then, it becomes not possible for the first moving member380to rotate. Furthermore, if the second moving member390rotates in the second rotation direction904, the first biasing member310is compressed without the first moving member380being rotated. Therefore, the second pressurizing surface400is separated from the second pressurized surface388as illustrated inFIG. 13. In other words, the second moving member390can rotate in a state in which the positioning members360stop by the first biasing member310playing a role of a cushion in the substrate holder200. In this manner, the second moving member390can rotate in the second rotation direction904even after the positioning members360completes the positioning of the substrate W. This is for reliably completing the positioning of the substrate W before the second member500is completely closed and for reliably positioning the substrate W even if there are variations in size of the substrate W.

AlthoughFIG. 12has been used to explain the behavior of each component in the case in which no substrate W is placed as described above, a state after the positioning members360have completed the positioning of the substrate W in the process of closing of the second member500with the presence of the substrate W is also substantially the same as the state illustrated inFIG. 12. In other words, the second pressurized surface388and the second pressurizing surface400are in contact with each other as in the state illustrated inFIG. 12at the timing when the positioning of the substrate W is completed in a description of an ideal behavior. Note that at this time, the first moving member380and the second moving member390may be located at positions after rotation in the first rotation direction902unlike the state illustrated inFIG. 12depending on the positions of the positioning members360. This will be understood by those skilled in the art from the above description.

Next, a behavior of each component in a case in which the second moving member390rotates in the first rotation direction902from the displaced position illustrated inFIG. 12will be described. In a case in which the second moving member390rotates in the first rotation direction902when the second moving member390is located at the position illustrated inFIG. 12, the second pressurizing surface400pressurizes the second pressurized surface388until the second moving member390returns to the steady-state position. Then, the first biasing member310rotates in the first rotation direction902, and the positioning members360move in the direction away from the ideal axis L. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the positioning members360move to the first position illustrated inFIG. 6when the second moving member390is located at the steady-state position.

Next, a behavior of each component in a case in which the second moving member390rotates in the first rotation direction902from the displaced position illustrated inFIG. 13will be described. When the second moving member390is located at the position illustrated inFIG. 13, the second pressurizing surface400and the second pressurized surface388do not abut each other. Therefore, in a case in which the second moving member390rotates in the first rotation direction902, the first moving member380and the positioning member369do not move until the second pressurizing surface400abuts the second pressurized surface388. However, once the second pressurizing surface400abuts the second pressurized surface388, the first moving member380and the positioning member360start to move. In this manner, the positioning members360move in the direction away from the ideal axis L. In other words, in a case in which the second moving member390rotates in the first rotation direction902from the displaced position illustrated inFIG. 13, the first moving member380do not rotate while the second moving member390rotate first until the second pressurized surface388and the second pressurizing surface400abut each other. After the second pressurized surface388and the second pressurizing surface400abut each other, the first moving member380and the second moving member390rotate together in the first rotation direction902with the abutting therebetween kept as it is. When the second moving member390is located at the steady-state position as illustrated inFIG. 11, the positioning members360move to the first position illustrated inFIG. 6similarly to the case in which the second moving member390rotates in the first rotation direction902from the displaced position illustrated inFIG. 12.

In this manner, the second moving member390can cause the first moving member380to rotate about the ideal axis L when the second moving member390rotates about the ideal axis L. In other words, the second moving member390has a function of causing the first moving member380to rotate about the ideal axis L.

Also, referring toFIG. 11, the first member300includes a plurality of second biasing members312in one example. The second biasing members312are members with elasticity and are springs in one example. The second biasing members312are located between the second support base330and the second moving member390and bias the second moving member390in a tangential direction of the virtual circle VC in one example. In other words, the second biasing members312has a function of causing the second moving member390to rotate in the first rotation direction902. Also, the second moving member390has a function of causing the first moving member380to rotate about the ideal axis L as described above. Therefore, if the second moving member390rotates in the first rotation direction902, then the first moving member380also rotates in the first rotation direction902that is the same rotation direction. In other words, if the second biasing members312bias the second moving member390, then the first moving member380rotates in the first rotation direction902along with the second moving member390. In other words, the second biasing members312has also a function of causing not only the second moving member390but also the first moving member380to rotate.

FIG. 14(a)is a schematic view of the section along D-D inFIG. 3, andFIG. 14(b)is a sectional view along E-E inFIG. 14(a).FIG. 15(a)is a schematic view of the section along D-D inFIG. 3in a state in the process of closing of the second member500, andFIG. 15(b)is a sectional view along F-F inFIG. 15(a). Referring toFIG. 14(a), the second member500includes an abutting member530. The abutting member530is a protrusion530with a columnar shape fixed to the second member500in one example. The protrusion530has a columnar side peripheral surface configured to be able to abut an inclined surface402. Also, the abutted member394of the first member300includes the inclined surface402inclined relative to a plane that perpendicularly intersects the ideal axis L (seeFIG. 14(b)). The direction of the normal line of the inclined surface402includes a component in the direction of the ideal axis L and a component in the tangential direction of the virtual circle VC.

When the first member300and the second member500pinch the substrate W, the second member500moves from the position illustrated inFIG. 15to the position illustrated inFIG. 14. At this time, the protrusion530can abut the inclined surface402and pressurize the inclined surface402in the direction in which the ideal axis L extends. Then, the second moving member390rotates in the second rotation direction904with a force that the inclined surface402receives from the protrusion530. In other words, the second moving member390rotates from the steady-state position to the displaced position.

On the other hand, in a case in which the second member500is opened, the protrusion530that has pressurized the inclined surface402moves in the direction away from the inclined surface402, that is, the direction in which the ideal axis L substantially extends. In this manner, the inclined surface402returns to the position before the protrusion530abuts the inclined surface402with the biasing force that the second moving member390receives from the second biasing members312. In other words, the second moving member390gradually moves in the first rotation direction902and returns from the displaced position to the steady-state position by the second member500being opened (seeFIG. 11).

Also, the substrate holder200is configured such that the rotation of the second moving member390achieved by the protrusion530and further the movement of the positioning members360in the direction of the ideal axis L when the first member300and the second member500pinch the substrate W are performed prior to the contact between the substrate sealing member518and the substrate W (seeFIG. 4).

<Method for Pinching Substrate Positioned in Substrate Holder>

Next, a method for pinching the substrate W positioned in the substrate holder200from a state in which the substrate W is not placed on the support surface342(initial state) will be described.

First, the substrate W is placed on the support surface342in a state in which the second member500is opened as illustrated inFIG. 2. Then, the second member500is closed. At this time, the protrusion530of the second member500abuts the inclined surface402of the first member300and causes the second moving member390to rotate (seeFIGS. 14 and 15). Once the second moving member390starts to rotate, then the first moving member380rotates along with the second moving member390as described above (seeFIG. 9). Then, the positioning members360move in the direction of the ideal axis L by the first moving member380rotating. In this manner, the contact surfaces376of the positioning members360come into contact with the side end portions of the substrate W placed on the support surface342and push the substrate W in the direction of the ideal axis L. and the six positioning members360position the substrate W by pinching the substrate W from the surroundings. However, the second member500has not yet been completely closed when the positioning of the substrate W is completed. Therefore, the second member500is further closed. In this manner, the second moving member390further rotates in the first direction and moves up to the displaced position illustrated inFIG. 13. Note that the positioning members360cannot cause the substrate W to move anymore and the first moving member380cannot rotate at this time. Therefore, the first biasing members310are compressed.

Also, the substrate sealing member518comes into contact with the surface of the substrate W and seals the clearance between the substrate W and the second member500immediately before the second member500is completely closed. Thereafter, if the second member500is completely closed, then the pressure ring506is turned, and the second member500is fixed to the first member300with the clampers302. The pinching of the substrate W positioned in the substrate holder200is completed hitherto.

Next, effects of the substrate holder200according to the first embodiment will be described below.

A first effect is an effect achieved by the substrate holder200including the base340, the six positioning members360, the first moving member380, and the first biasing members310. As described above, the six positioning members360are biased in the direction in which the contact surfaces376approach the ideal axis L. Therefore, in a case in which the substrate W is placed on the support surface342, the positioning members360move in the direction from the first position toward the second position. Then, the six positioning members360position the substrate W by pinching the substrate W placed on the support surface342of the base340from the surroundings. At this time, the first moving member380maintains a state in which the distances between the ideal axis L and the contact surfaces376of the positioning members360are equal to each other. Therefore, the six positioning members360can cause the center of the substrate W to be located on the ideal axis L at the time of the positioning. As a result, the center of the substrate W after the positioning is located on the ideal axis L even in a case in which the substrate W receives a frictional force and the like from the support surface342. In other words, the substrate holder200can position the substrate W even in a case in which the substrate W receives a frictional force and the like from the support surface342.

Also, if the second moving member390moves to the displaced position in a case in which the substrate holder200does not include the first biasing members310, the positioning members360are closed up to a specific position. It is thus possible to position only the substrate W with an intended size. In a case in which the substrate holder200that does not include the first biasing members310positions the substrate W that is larger than an intended size, for example, the positioning members360move up to the specific position even after the positioning members360come into contact with the side end portions of the substrate W. In this case, there is a concern that the positioning members360apply an unnecessary load to the substrate W. Moreover, there is a concern that the substrate W is broken due to the load.

However, the substrate holder200includes the first biasing members310. Also, the positioning members36) are biased in the direction in which the contact surfaces376approach the ideal axis L with the biasing force delivered from the first biasing members310. Therefore, the positioning members360do not push the substrate W with a force that is greater than the biasing force delivered from the first biasing members310. In other words, an unnecessary load that is greater than the biasing force of the first biasing members310is not applied to the substrate W, and the substrate holder200can curb breakage of the substrate W even in a case in which the substrate W has a dimensional tolerance.

Also, in a case in which the substrate holder200that does not include the first biasing members310positions the substrate W that is smaller than an intended size, a space is generated between the substrate W and the positioning members360when the positioning members360are located at specific positions. Then, the substrate W can freely move in accordance with the space, and there is a concern that the substrate W is not accurately be positioned.

However, the substrate holder200includes the first biasing members310. Also, the positioning members360are configured to be movable from the first position at which the distances between the ideal axis L and the contact surfaces376are longer than the radius of the substrate W to the second position at which the distances between the ideal axis L and the contact surfaces376are shorter than the radius of the substrate W when the substrate W is not placed on the base340. Therefore, even in a case in which the size of the substrate W changes within a range of a dimensional tolerance, and the substrate W is smaller than the intended size, the six positioning members360can position the substrate W by pinching the substrate W from the surroundings.

Also, the first moving member380and the second moving member390rotate in the second rotation direction904, and the positioning members360move in the direction toward the ideal axis L and position the substrate W in the substrate holder200by the second member500being closed as described above. In other words, the substrate holder200can position the substrate W only by the second member500being closed.

A fifth effect is an effect achieved by the substrate holder200including the positioning members360, the first moving member380, the second moving member390, and the first biasing members310. As described above, in a case in which the second moving member390rotates in the second rotation direction904, the first moving member380rotates (seeFIG. 11). Also, the positioning members360are caused to move, and each positioning member360pinches the side end portion of the substrate W to perform positioning, by the first moving member380rotating. Additionally, if the positioning members360completes the positioning of the substrate W, the positioning members360cannot move due to a reactive force from the substrate W, and the first moving member380also cannot rotate. However, since the first biasing members310are located between the first pressurized surface386of the first moving member380and the first pressurizing surface398of the second moving member390, the first biasing members310are compressed, and the second moving member390can thus rotate. In other words, the second moving member390can rotate in a state in which the positioning members360and the first moving member380are stopped in the substrate holder200.

In general, there is a concern that in a case in which the substrate sealing member518comes into contact with the substrate W to seal the portion between the first member300and the substrate W, the substrate W moves above the support surface342due to a pressure from the substrate sealing member518. In this case, there is a concern that the substrate holder200cannot hold the substrate W in a state in which the substrate holder200is appropriately positioned even if the substrate W is appropriately positioned.

However, rotation of the second moving member390when the first member300and the second member500pinch the substrate W is performed prior to contact between the substrate sealing member518and the substrate W in the substrate holder200. In other words, the second moving member390rotates, the six positioning members360position the substrate W by pinching the substrate W, and the substrate sealing member518then come into contact with the substrate W. Therefore, since the six positioning members360pinch the substrate W when the substrate W receives a pressure from the substrate sealing member518, the substrate W is less likely to move above the support surface342. In other words, the substrate holder200can curb deviation of the substrate W due to the pressure from the substrate sealing member518.

<Modification Examples of Substrate Holder>

First Modification Example

In the first embodiment, the first member300includes the positioning members360, the first biasing members310, the first moving member380, and the second moving member390. However, the second member500instead of the first member300may include the positioning members360, the first biasing members310, the first moving member380, and the second moving member390. This is because the substrate holder200can position the substrate W in such a case as well. Note that a member including the positioning members360, the first biasing members310, and the first moving member380can be referred to as a first holding member, and the other member can be referred to as a second holding member from among the first member300and the second member500.

Second Modification Example

Also, the positioning members360include the pins370as the engaged portions370, and the first moving member380includes the long holes384as the engaging portions384in the first embodiment. However, the engaged portions370may not be the pins370, and the engaging portions384may not be the long holes384. The engaged portions370and the engaging portions384may be any members that can cause the positioning members360to move in the radial direction of the virtual circle VC when the first moving member380rotates. For example, the engaged portions370may be long holes, and the engaging portions384may be pins. The positioning members360can move in the radial direction of the virtual circle VC by the first moving member380being rotated even in such a case as well.

Third Modification Example

Also, the second biasing members312bias the second moving member390in the tangential direction of the virtual circle VC in the first embodiment. However, it is only necessary for the second biasing members312to be able to bias the second moving member390in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the virtual circle VC. The second biasing members312can cause the second moving member390to rotate in the first rotation direction902with the biasing force thereof in such a case as well.

Fourth Modification Example

Also, the abutting member530is the protrusion530, and the abutted member394includes the inclined surface402in the first embodiment. However, the abutting member530may not be the protrusion530, and the abutted member394may not include the inclined surface402. In regard to the abutting member530and the abutted member394, it is only necessary for the abutting member530to be a member that can cause the second moving member390to rotate by the abutting member530pressurizing the abutted member394when the first member300and the second member500pinch the substrate W. For example, the abutting member530includes an inclined surface, and the abutted member394may be a protrusion. The abutting member530can cause the second moving member390to rotate by the abutting member530pressurizing the abutted member394when the first member300and the second member500pinch the substrate W in such a case as well.

Fifth Modification Example

Also, the first member300includes the six positioning members360in the first embodiment. However, the first member300may not include the six positioning members360, and it is only necessary for the first member300to include three or more positioning members360. If the first member300includes three or more positioning members360, the positioning members360can position the substrate W by pinching the substrate W from the surroundings.

Sixth Modification Example

Also, the substrate holder200is not limited to the plating apparatus100and may be used in a substrate treatment apparatus other than the plating apparatus100, such as an etching apparatus or a washing apparatus. Note that the plating apparatus100is included in the substrate treatment apparatus.

Seventh Modification Example

In the aforementioned embodiment, the second moving member390rotates in the direction corresponding to the second rotation direction904by being pressurized by the abutting member530and biases the first moving member380in the second rotation direction904via the first biasing members310. The substrate holder200according to the seventh modification example does not include the second moving member390, the abutting member530, the abutted member394, and the second biasing members312. The first biasing members310are provided between the first moving member380and a structural wall of the first member300and bias the first moving member380in the second rotation direction904. The first moving member380includes a pressurized portion that is biased in the direction corresponding to the first rotation direction902by a pressurizing member that is different from the abutting member530of the second member500or a different structure other than the substrate holder200. The positioning member360is constantly biased in the direction toward the ideal axis L by the first biasing member310. The first moving member380is rotated in the first rotation direction902by the pressurized portion being biased in the first rotation direction902. In this manner, it is possible to cause the positioning member360to move in the direction away from the ideal axis L when the substrate W is received on the support surface342of the first member300. Then, the substrate holder200according to the seventh modification example can position the substrate W by the biasing of the pressurized portion in the first rotation direction902being released after the substrate W is placed on the support surface342.

Eighth Modification Example

In the aforementioned embodiment, the first biasing members310are provided in order to prevent the substrate W from being broken when the positioning members360position the substrate W and address variations in size of the substrate W. The substrate holder200according to an eighth modification example does not include the first biasing members310. In other words, the form in which the first biasing members310are not included means that the first moving member380and the second moving member390are integrally formed if explanation is given in accordance with the aforementioned embodiment. The positioning members360move to positions at a specific distance from the ideal axis L if the second member500is closed. The contact surfaces376of the positioning members360may be provided with elastic members to prevent breakage of the substrate W. Since each positioning member360moves in the direction toward the ideal axis L and positions the substrate W with the contact surface376of each positioning member360maintaining the distance to the ideal axis L in the substrate holder200according to the eighth modification example as well, it is possible to perform accurate positioning. In the case in which the contact surfaces376of the positioning members360are provided with the elastic members, hardness or elastic moduli of the elastic members are determined such that it is possible to prevent breakage of the substrate W and to accurately position the substrate W.

Ninth Modification Example

The substrate holder200is a substrate holder in which the substrate W is to be disposed in a vertical position relative to the plating tank and that is to be immersed into the plating solution. However, the substrate holder200is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the substrate holder200may be a substrate holder (cup-type substrate holder) in which the substrate W is to be disposed in a horizontal position in the plating tank as illustrated inFIG. 16. Note thatFIG. 16is a schematic view illustrating a modification example of the substrate holder200.

In this case, the first member300may include the abutting member530, and the second member500may include the positioning members360, the first moving member380, the abutted member394, a Bernoulli chuck650, and a support surface342as illustrated inFIG. 16.

In the substrate holder200according to the ninth modification example, the substrate W is suctioned by the Bernoulli chuck650, and the second member500holds the substrate W. Also, the first member300and the support surface342of the second member500pinch the substrate W by the second member500being lowered. The substrate W is positioned by the abutting member530included in the first member300abutting the abutted member394and by the positioning members360moving when the second member500is lowered. Therefore, the substrate holder200can position the substrate W even if the substrate holder200is a cup-type substrate holder in this manner.

Tenth Modification Example

Also, when the substrate holder200is a cup-type substrate holder, the first member300may include the abutting member530and the support surface342, and the second member500may include the positioning member360, the first moving member380, and the abutted member394as illustrated inFIG. 17. Here,FIG. 17is a schematic view illustrating another modification example of the substrate holder200.

In the substrate holder200according to a tenth modification example, the substrate W is placed on the support surface342. Then, the first member300and the second member500pinch the substrate W by the second member500being lowered. Also, the substrate W is positioned by the abutting member530included in the first member300abutting the abutted member394and by the positioning members360moving when the second member500is lowered.

Eleventh Modification Example

Also, when the substrate holder200is a cup-type substrate holder, the first member300may include the positioning members360, the first moving member380, and the abutted member394, and the second member500may include the abutting member530, the Bemoulli chuck650, and the support surface342as illustrated inFIG. 18. Here,FIG. 18is a schematic view illustrating another modification example of the substrate holder200.

In the substrate holder200according to an eleventh modification example, the substrate W is suctioned by the Bernoulli chuck650, and the second member500holds the substrate W. Then, the first member300and the support surface342of the second member500pinch the substrate W by the second member500being lowered. Also, the substrate W is positioned by the abutting member530included in the second member500abutting the abutted member394and by the positioning members360moving when the second member500is lowered.

Twelfth Modification Example

Also, when the substrate holder200is a cup-type substrate holder, the first member300may include the positioning member360, the first moving member380, the abutted member394, and the support surface342, and the second member500may include the abutting member530as illustrated inFIG. 19. Here,FIG. 19is a schematic view illustrating another modification example of the substrate holder200.

In the substrate holder200according to a twelfth modification example, the substrate W is placed on the support surface342. Then, the first member300and the second member500pinch the substrate W by the second member500being lowered. Also, the substrate W is positioned by the abutting member530included in the second member500abutting the abutted member394and by the positioning members360moving when the second member500is lowered.

Although a part or entirety of the aforementioned embodiment can also be described as in the following supplement, the embodiment is not limited to the following supplement.

A substrate holder according to Supplement 1 is a substrate holder that includes a support surface for supporting a substrate and positions the substrate such that a center axis of the substrate is located on an ideal axis extending in a direction perpendicularly intersecting the support surface, the substrate holder including: a first holding member; a second holding member adapted to pinch the substrate with the first holding member; three or more positioning members including contact surfaces that come into contact with side end portions of the substrate; a first moving member including a plurality of engaging portions that are engaged with the positioning members such that the positioning members are moved at the same time with a state in which distances between the ideal axis and the contact surfaces of the positioning members are equal to each other maintained; and a first biasing member adapted to bias the first moving member, in which the first moving member delivers a biasing force of the first biasing member to each of the positioning members via the engaging portions, and each of the positioning members is biased in a direction in which the contact surfaces approach the ideal axis with the biasing force delivered from the first biasing member.

In the substrate holder according to Supplement 1, each positioning member is biased in the direction in which the contact surface approaches the ideal axis. Therefore, in a case in which the substrate is placed on the support surface, the contact surfaces of the positioning members come into contact with the side end portions of the substrate and push the substrate in the direction of the ideal axis. In this manner, the three or more positioning members position the substrate by pinching the substrate from the surroundings. At this time, the first moving member maintains the state in which the distances between the ideal axis and the contact surfaces of the positioning members are equal to each other. Therefore, if the substrate has a circular shape, then the three or more positioning members can cause the center of the pinched substrate to be located on the ideal axis. As a result, the center of the substrate after the positioning is located on the ideal axis even in a case in which the substrate receives a frictional force and the like from the support surface. In other words, the substrate holder can position the substrate even in a case in which the substrate receives a frictional force and the like from the support surface.

Also, each positioning member is biased in the direction in which the contact surface approaches the ideal axis with the biasing force delivered from the first biasing member. Therefore, the positioning members do not push the substrate with a force that is greater than the biasing force delivered from the first biasing member. In other words, an unnecessary load that is greater than the biasing force of the first biasing member is not applied to the substrate, and the substrate holder can curb breakage of the substrate even in a case in which the substrate has a dimensional tolerance.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 2, the positioning members include engaged portions with which the engaging portions are movably engaged, the first moving member is configured to be rotatable about the ideal axis, and when the first moving member rotates about the ideal axis, rotation of the first moving member is delivered to the positioning members via the engaging portions and engaged portions, and the positioning members move in a radial direction of a virtual circle around the ideal axis, in the substrate holder described in Supplement 1.

The substrate holder according to Supplement 2 can deliver the biasing force of the first biasing member to the positioning members via the engaging portions and the engaged portions by the first moving member rotating about the ideal axis. Also, the substrate holder can cause the positioning members to move in the radial direction of the virtual circle around the ideal axis with the biasing force of the first biasing member.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 3, the engaged portions are first pins or first long holes, and the engaging portions are second long holes to establish engagement with the first pins or second pins to establish engagement with the first long holes, in the substrate holder described in Supplement 2.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 3, the second long holes or the second pins of the first moving member can establish engaged with the first pins or the first long holes of the positioning members.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 4, the first pins and the second pins extend in parallel with the ideal axis, and a longitudinal direction of the first long holes and a longitudinal direction of the second long holes are directions that intersect the radial direction and a circumferential direction of the virtual circle, in the substrate holder described in Supplement 3.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 4, the second long holes or the second pins included in the first moving member move, and the first pins and the first long holes engaged with the second long holes or the second pins are pulled in the direction of the ideal axis, by the first moving member being rotated. In this manner, the positioning members including the second long holes or the second pins move in the radial direction of the virtual circle. In other words, the substrate holder can cause the positioning members to move in the radial direction of the virtual circle using the first pins or the first long holes and the second long holes or the second pins.

The substrate holder in Supplement 5 further includes: a second moving member adapted to cause the first moving member to rotate about the ideal axis, in the substrate holder according to any one of Supplements 2 to 4.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 5, the second moving member can cause the first moving member to rotate about the ideal axis.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 6, the second moving member includes a first pressurizing surface and is configured to be rotatable about the ideal axis, the first moving member includes a first pressurized surface, and the first biasing member is located between the first pressurized surface of the first moving member and the first pressurizing surface of the second moving member and biases the first moving member via the first pressurized surface, in the substrate holder described in Supplement 5.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 6, the first biasing member can bias the first moving member via the first pressurized surface.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 7, the second moving member includes a second pressurizing surface and is configured to be rotatable about the ideal axis, the first moving member includes a second pressurized surface facing the second pressurizing surface, the first moving member is biased in a direction in which the second pressurized surface approaches the second pressurizing surface, and the second pressurized surface abuts the second pressurizing surface, by the first biasing member biasing the first moving member, and when the second moving member rotates about the ideal axis, the second pressurized surface rotates along with the second pressurizing surface, and the first moving member rotates in the same rotation direction as a rotation direction of the second moving member, in the substrate holder described in Supplement 5 or 6.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 7, the first moving member rotates in the same rotation direction as the rotation direction of the second moving member if the second moving member rotates. Also, the positioning members are caused to move by the first moving member being rotated, and each positioning member pinches the side end portion of the substrate to perform positioning. Also, once the positioning members complete the positioning of the substrate, the positioning members cannot move, and the moving member cannot rotate, due to a reactive force from the substrate. However, since the first biasing member is located between the first pressurized surface of the first moving member and the first pressurizing surface of the second moving member, the second moving member can rotate by the first biasing member being compressed. In other words, according to the substrate holder, the second moving member can rotate in a state in which the positioning members and the first moving member are stopped.

The substrate holder according to Supplement 8 further includes: a second biasing member adapted to cause the first moving member to rotate in a first rotation direction around the ideal axis, in which when the first moving member rotates in the first rotation direction, the contact surfaces move in a direction away from the ideal axis in conjunction with rotation of the first moving member, in the substrate holder according to any one of Supplements 1 to 7.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 8, the second biasing member can cause the first moving member to rotate in the first rotation direction. Also, the substrate holder can cause the contact surfaces to move in the direction away from the ideal axis in conjunction with the rotation of the first moving member.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 9, the second biasing member biases the second moving member in a direction that intersects a radial direction of a virtual circle around the ideal axis and causes the second moving member to rotate in the first rotation direction, in the substrate holder described in Supplement 8 depending from Supplement 7.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 9, the second biasing member can cause the second moving member to rotate in the first rotation direction by the second biasing member biasing the second moving member in the direction that intersects the radial direction of the virtual circle around the ideal axis.

According to the supplement holder in Supplement 10, the positioning members, the first biasing member, and the second moving member are provided in the first holding member, the second holding member includes an abutting member, the second moving member includes an abutted member that is to abut the abutting member of the second holding member, and when the first holding member and the second holding member pinch the substrate, the abutting member of the second holding member causes the second moving member to rotate about the ideal axis by the abutting member abutting the abutted member of the second moving member and by the abutting member pressurizing the abutted member, in the substrate holder according to Supplement 5 or any one of Supplement 6 to 9 depending from Supplement 5.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 10, the abutting member can cause the second moving member to rotate about the ideal axis when the first holding member and the second holding member pinch the substrate.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 11, the abutting member is a protrusion fixed to the second holding member, the abutted member includes an inclined surface that is inclined relative to a plane perpendicularly intersecting the ideal axis, when the first holding member and the second holding member pinch the substrate, the protrusion abuts the inclined surface and pressurizes the inclined surface in a direction in which the ideal axis extends, and the second moving member is configured to rotate in a second rotation direction that is a rotation direction opposite to the first direction with a force that the inclined surface receives from the protrusion, in the substrate holder described in Supplement 10.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 11, the protrusion can cause the second moving member to rotate in the second rotation direction by the protrusion abutting the inclined surface and pressurizing the inclined surface when the first holding member and the second holding member pinch the substrate. Also, the first moving member also rotates in the second rotation direction, by the second moving member rotating in the second rotation direction, and the positioning members move the direction toward the ideal axis, thereby positioning the substrate. In other words, the substrate holder can position the substrate merely by the second holding member closing.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 12, the second holding member includes a substrate sealing member adapted to establish sealing between the second holding member and the substrate, and rotation of the second moving member caused by the abutting member when the first holding member and the second holding member pinch the substrate is performed prior to contact between the substrate sealing member and the substrate, in the substrate holder according to Supplement 10 or 11.

In general, there is a concern that the substrate moves above the support surface due to a pressure from the substrate sealing member in a case in which the substrate seaming member comes into contact with the substrate to establish sealing between the first holding member and the substrate. In this case, there is a concern that the substrate holder cannot hold the substrate in an appropriately positioned state even if the positioning of the substrate is appropriately performed.

However, according to the substrate holder in Supplement 12, the rotation of the second moving member when the first holding member and the second holding member pinch the substrate is performed prior to the contact between the substrate sealing member and the substrate. In other words, the substrate sealing member comes into contact with the substrate after the second moving member rotates and the three or more positioning members position the substrate by pinching the substrate. Therefore, since the three or more positioning members pinch the substrate when the substrate receives the pressure from the substrate sealing member, the substrate is less likely to move above the support surface. In other words, the substrate holder can curb deviation of the substrate due to the pressure from the substrate sealing member.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 13, the first moving member is an arc-shaped member including a pair of side surfaces extending in a circumferential direction of a virtual circle around the ideal axis, and the substrate holder further includes a guide member adapted to come into contact with each of the side surfaces and guide the first moving member in the circumferential direction of the virtual circle around the ideal axis, in the substrate holder according to any one of Supplements 1 to 12.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 13, the first moving member can rotate about the ideal axis since the first moving member is guided by the guide member.

According to the substrate holder in Supplement 14, the positioning members are configured to be movable from a first position at which the distances between the ideal axis and the contact surfaces are longer than a radius of the substrate to a second position at which the distances between the ideal axis and the contact surfaces are shorter than the radius of the substrate, in any one of Supplements 1 to 13.

In a case in which the substrate holder that does not include the first biasing member positions the substrate that is smaller than an intended size, a space is generated between the substrate and the positioning members when the positioning members are located at specific positions. Also, the substrate can freely move by the amount corresponding to the space, and there is a concern that the substrate is not accurately positioned.

However, the substrate holder according to the form14includes the first biasing member. Also, the positioning members are configured to be movable from the first position at which the distances between the ideal axis and the contact surfaces are longer than the radius of the substrate to the second position at which the distances between the ideal axis and the contact surfaces are shorter than the radius of the substrate. Therefore, even in the case in which the substrate is smaller than the intended size, the three or more positioning members can position the substrate by pinching the substrate from the surroundings.

A substrate treatment apparatus according to Supplement 15 is adapted to perform a plating treatment on a substrate using the substrate holder according to any one of Supplements 1 to 14.

The substrate treatment apparatus according to Supplement 15 can perform a treatment using the substrate holder capable of positioning the substrate and capable of curbing breakage of the substrate even in a case in which the substrate has a dimensional tolerance.

Although only some embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will be able to easily understand that various modifications or improvements can be added to the illustrated embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present invention. Therefore, embodiments achieved by adding such various modifications or improvements are also intended to be included within the technical scope of the present invention. Also, the aforementioned embodiments may be arbitrarily combined.

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