Lock for introducing and removing a sample receiving element into a mass spectrometer

Abstract

A transfer chamber for introducing and ejecting a sample receiving element into a mass spectrometer is described. A mass spectrometer, specifically a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, is also described.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeder for introducing and ejecting a sample receiving element into a mass spectrometer. The present invention also relates to a mass spectrometer, in particular a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer.

[0002] The invention is defined in the attached claims. Preferred aspects of the present invention will also become apparent from the following description, including the examples.

[0003] Where certain embodiments are designated as preferred for an aspect of the invention, the corresponding descriptions also apply to the other aspects of the present invention, mutatis mutandis. Preferred individual features of aspects of the invention (as defined in the claims and / or disclosed in the description) can be combined with one another and are preferably combined with one another, unless otherwise apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present text in a particular case.

[0004] The use of mass spectrometers has long been established for the analysis of biomolecules, among other things. The introduction of matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) as extremely gentle ionization methods has significantly advanced the possibilities for investigating biological molecules in this context.

[0005] The ionization of analyte molecules using MALDI is of great importance in mass spectrometry imaging of tissue sections (MSI) and is predominantly used as the preferred ionization method (see, for example, Dreisewerd, K., Bien, T., Soltwisch, J. (2022) “MALDI-2 and t-MALDI-2 Mass Spectrometry Imaging” in: Lee, YJ. (eds) “Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Small Molecules. Methods in Molecular Biology”, vol 2437, Humana, New York, NY. https: / / doi.org / 10.1007 / 978-1-0716-2030-4_2). A typical analysis involves scanning the surface of a matrix-coated sample (usually a tissue section) with a focused laser beam and recording a complete mass spectrum at each position. Special software tools then reconstruct the data obtained in this way into a molecular image by mapping the intensity of each mass signal to the position in the tissue section where it was recorded.

[0006] The resolution achievable in imaging mass spectrometry depends, among other things, on the precision with which the sample under investigation can be moved or continuously positioned under the focused laser beam during a measurement for the purpose of successive scanning (see, for example, John C. Jurchen, Stanislav S. Rubakhin, Jonathan V. Sweedler, “MALDI-MS Imaging of Features Smaller than the Size of the Laser Beam”, J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom., 2005, 16, 1654-1659). The sample is typically moved via a positioning stage (also referred to as the motion mechanism within the scope of the invention), on or to which, for example, a sample carrier or, alternatively, a sample holder for introducing the sample carrier into the mass spectrometer can be attached.For precise movement of the sample during a measurement, the use of piezo positioning stages is particularly suitable, as these enable finely graduated and highly precise movement even in the nanometer range (see, for example, M. Niehaus, J. Soltwisch, ME Belov, K. Dreisewerd, “Transmission-mode MALDI-2 mass spectrometry imaging of cells and tissues at subcellular resolution”, Nature Methods, 2019, 16, 925-931).

[0007] For background information on the present invention, reference is also made to the following documents: US 2004 / 0020600 A1, JP H09 - 51 027 A, WO 2023 - 175 689 A1, EP 3 419 045 B1, DE 12 61 343 A, DE 196 28 112 A1, DE 10 2012 101 063 A1, DE 10 2017 124 236 A1 and EP 4 075 144 B1.

[0008] The positioning stage for sample movement is located in the area of ​​the mass spectrometer where the ionization of the sample under analysis takes place (i.e., in the ion source). This area is typically under negative pressure during operation of the mass spectrometer, which must be restored before the actual analysis when the mass spectrometer is opened to introduce a sample. To ensure that the negative pressure is maintained in the mass spectrometer during a sample change, the sample can generally be transported via an evacuable airlock. In conventional mass spectrometers suitable for imaging mass spectrometry that have an airlock, a large portion of the transport path, which the sample receiving element travels from an operator interface (i.e.,The transfer of the sample (from an area outside the mass spectrometer) via the airlock to or onto the positioning stage is handled by the positioning stage. For this purpose, the positioning stage can move right into the airlock and receive the sample receiving element within the airlock. However, not all types of positioning stages are suitable for this type of transport function. For example, high-precision piezoelectric positioning stages are unsuitable for this additional airlock function due to their comparatively weak piezoelectric motors.

[0009] In order to nevertheless be able to use highly precise motion mechanisms, such as piezo positioning stages, for moving a sample during measurement and at the same time to enable the introduction of the samples to be examined via a lock, the primary object of the present invention was to provide a lock for introducing and removing a sample (more precisely, for introducing and removing a sample receiving element comprising a sample carrier containing a sample) into a mass spectrometer, which does not necessarily depend on support from the motion mechanism used for moving the sample during an imaging mass spectrometric measurement for the transport of the sample (the sample receiving element) through the lock.Another object of the present invention was to provide a mass spectrometer that can accomplish highly precise movement of a sample during an imaging mass spectrometric measurement and at the same time enables quick and uncomplicated insertion and removal of samples (more precisely, of sample receiving elements comprising sample carriers containing a sample).

[0010] Further tasks arise from the following description and the patent claims.

[0011] The primary object of the present invention is achieved by a, preferably evacuable, airlock for inserting and removing a sample receiving element (having a groove for receiving a pin) into a mass spectrometer, preferably into a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, comprising a first opening for introducing the sample collection element from an outside area into the lock, a second opening for inserting the sample receiving element from the lock into an interior area of ​​the mass spectrometer, preferably into an interior area for the ionization of a sample to be analyzed and / or into a vacuum stage within the mass spectrometer, a first lock gate to close the first opening of the lock, and a second lock gate to close the second opening of the lock, wherein the lock additionally comprises a transport device arranged in the lock for transporting the sample receiving element from the first opening of the lock into the interior of the mass spectrometer (and back), wherein the transport device comprises the following components: - a rotating element, comprising ◯ an arm, ◯ a pin located on the arm (also referred to as a “pin” within the scope of the invention), which can be inserted into a groove of the sample receiving element to be transported, and ◯ a gear-like section, - a linear drive for moving the rotatable element from the first opening of the lock into the interior of the mass spectrometer (and back), wherein the linear drive comprises a rack on at least one section and the rack is designed to mesh with the teeth of the gear-like section of the rotatable element, and wherein the rotatable element performs a rotational movement when passing over the rack, so that the pin located on the arm of the rotatable element can be guided into and along the groove located in the sample receiving element and, upon contact of the pin with the sample receiving element, a movement of the sample receiving element from the first opening of the lock into the interior of the mass spectrometer (and back) can be achieved by moving the pin.

[0012] Since the airlock, according to the aforementioned task, was intended to eliminate the need for any internal motion mechanisms (designed for moving a sample during a measurement) when transporting / inserting a sample receiving element through the airlock and into the interior, one challenge was to accomplish the transport entirely using the transport device located within the airlock. In particular, when transporting sample receiving elements to or onto a sensitive motion mechanism located inside the mass spectrometer, a further challenge was to achieve this transport with as little force as possible to avoid any potential damage to the mechanism.These challenges were solved by the transport device arranged in the lock according to the invention.

[0013] The fact that the transport device is located in the lock and must simultaneously transport sample receiving elements into the interior of the mass spectrometer is taken into account by the rotatable element encompassed by the transport device, which acts as a kind of translation or motion amplification and enables the transport of sample receiving elements into the interior of the mass spectrometer.An (unconditional) arrangement of the transport device within the airlock is therefore advantageous, since typical high-precision motion mechanisms for moving samples during a measurement process, such as piezo positioning stages, require a relatively large amount of space and therefore, especially when a mass spectrometer is to be equipped with such a high-precision motion mechanism, the space inside the mass spectrometer, especially the space inside for ionizing a sample to be analyzed, is very limited and, in case of doubt, does not allow the arrangement of an (additional) transport unit inside the mass spectrometer for the insertion and removal of sample receiving elements.

[0014] Furthermore, the transport device arranged in the lock according to the invention enables relatively smooth movement of sample receiving elements through the lock and into the interior of the mass spectrometer, as well as the placement or placement of a transported sample receiving element onto a movement mechanism located in the interior of the mass spectrometer with comparatively little force acting on the movement mechanism.

[0015] For the purposes of this invention, the term "sample holding element" encompasses both elements onto which a sample to be analyzed can be directly applied, and elements into which one or more sample carriers (for example, plates made of stainless steel or, preferably, glass slides having an indium tin oxide (ITO) coating) can be held. Preferably, a "sample holding element" within the meaning of this invention is a holder for sample carriers.

[0016] According to the invention, the first and second openings of the lock also serve to guide the sample receiving element, i.e., the first opening also serves to guide the sample receiving element from the lock to the outside, and the second opening also serves to guide the sample receiving element from the inside of the mass spectrometer into the lock.

[0017] The rotatable element of the transport device can, according to the present invention, be manufactured partially or completely from a single piece (i.e., monolithically) or from several interconnected pieces. For example, the arm and the gear-like section of the rotatable element can represent separate, distinct components that are rigidly connected to each other, for instance, by a screw connection. Preferably, the arm and the gear-like section of the rotatable element are manufactured from a single piece.

[0018] For the purposes of the invention, a "gear-like section" is understood to be a circular section with teeth evenly distributed on its outer surface. Preferably, the gear-like section has a circular shape. More preferably, the teeth evenly distributed on its outer surface extend over at least one radian of π rad, such that when the gear-like section completely traverses the rack of the linear drive, it enables at least a 180° rotation of the arm encompassed by the rotatable element.

[0019] The linear drive for moving the rotatable element can be designed in various ways and may, for example, include a threaded rod extending along the first and second openings of the lock, with a motor movable on the threaded rod. In this case, the rotatable element is arranged on the linear drive such that (i) the movement of the motor movable on the threaded rod also moves the rotatable element between the first and second openings of the lock, and (ii) the gear-like section of the rotatable element simultaneously engages with the rack enclosed by the linear drive on at least one section, allowing the rotatable element to perform a rotational movement.

[0020] The groove located along the sample holder element to be transported and the pin located on the arm of the rotatable element are matched in size and shape such that the pin can be easily inserted into the groove and moved along it. At the same time, the pin preferably has minimal play in the groove so that, after insertion and during its subsequent movement, contact between the pin and the sample holder element can be established as quickly as possible, allowing movement of the sample holder element by the movement of the pin. Preferably, the size and shape of the pin and groove are matched such that the pin can just barely move smoothly along the groove.

[0021] The insertion of the pin into the groove of the sample holder is achieved by a rotational movement of the rotatable element, which draws the pin, located on the arm of the rotatable element, into the groove of the sample holder. Continuing the rotational movement after the pin has been inserted into the groove causes the pin to advance successively within the groove. Simultaneously, the pin (in contact with the sample holder) exerts a force on the sample holder, resulting in movement of the sample holder. Since the pin can move freely along an axis within the groove of the sample holder during its rotational movement, the sample holder itself does not undergo a rotational movement, but instead a (largely) linear movement towards one of the two openings of the sluice.

[0022] In addition to the rotational movement, which is triggered by the engagement of the gear-like section of the rotatable element with the rack section encompassed by the linear drive, the rotatable element—and thus also the pin on the arm of the rotatable element—can also undergo a linear movement towards one of the two openings of the sluice via the linear drive during active operation of the transport device. When the pin contacts the groove of the sample holding element, this movement is also transferred to the sample holding element. Because the sample holding element is moved both by the rotational movement of the rotatable element (or by the linear drive), the rotational movement of the pin is also transferred to the sample holding element.The linear impulse of the sample receiving element towards one of the two openings of the lock is achieved by both the force of the pin located on the arm of the rotatable element and the linear movement of the rotatable element. This results in a longitudinal movement of the sample receiving element that is greater than the distance between the two openings of the lock and is therefore not only suitable for transporting the sample receiving element from one opening of the lock to the other, but also allows, for example, the sample receiving element to be moved into the interior of the mass spectrometer during the insertion process.

[0023] The lock gates of the lock according to the invention serve to reversibly close the respective opening of the lock, in order to enable, for example, the flushing of the lock with an inert gas or, preferably, the creation of a negative pressure in the lock. The first and the second lock gate can be controlled independently of each other.

[0024] To ensure the maintenance of the pressure and atmosphere inside the mass spectrometer during operation, the second opening of the airlock (leading into the interior of the mass spectrometer) is usually closed by the second airlock gate during the insertion process of a sample receiving element into the interior of the mass spectrometer. Instead, the first airlock gate is opened first, and a sample receiving element is inserted into the airlock from an external location through the opening thus exposed.After the sample receiving element has been fully inserted, the first opening is closed by the first lock gate in a next step, and the lock is preferably evacuated in the fully closed state before the second lock gate is opened and the sample receiving element can then be transported through the second opening into the interior of the mass spectrometer.

[0025] A lock according to the invention is preferred, wherein the first and / or the second lock gate - is located inside the lock, and - is designed and constructed to first perform a movement parallel to the wall in which the opening to be closed is located in order to close the first or second opening of the lock, and after reaching the (complete) height of the opening, to perform a movement in the direction of the opening so that the opening is completely covered and closed by the lock gate.

[0026] In conventional devices, the lock gates are usually located on the outer sides of the lock, as the space available inside a lock is typically limited and preferably kept as small as possible. A small volume within the lock offers the advantage that the evacuation and / or flushing of the lock, which is usually necessary for introducing a sample, can be carried out more quickly and with less cost and energy expenditure.

[0027] The placement of the lock gates on the outer sides of the lock requires sufficient space on these sides for their installation and operation. However, particularly for the lock gate responsible for closing the opening to the interior of the mass spectrometer, it may be necessary to find that the space inside the mass spectrometer is insufficient for its installation. This can occur especially if, for example, the use of high-precision motion mechanisms inside the mass spectrometer is desired for moving samples during a measurement, as such mechanisms—as mentioned above—typically require a considerable amount of space.

[0028] In cases where the conventional arrangement of one or more lock gates on the outside of the lock is not possible due to existing constraints, the objective is to find another suitable method for mounting the lock gates. This objective is achieved by the preferred embodiment of the invention described above, in which the lock gates are arranged inside the lock. The aforementioned mechanism for closing the lock gates allows them to be opened and closed in a very small space and simultaneously ensures a preferably sufficiently airtight seal of the openings, which, for example, allows for trouble-free evacuation of the lock when closed.This allows the lock gates to be arranged inside the lock without requiring a significantly larger dimensioning of the lock, even in cases where, as in the present case, the lock also includes a transport device for transporting sample receiving elements inside the lock.

[0029] According to the aforementioned preferred embodiment, the lock gates, when closed, press against the lock from the inside and completely enclose the respective opening of the lock, so that the respective opening is preferably sealed airtight.

[0030] The aforementioned preferred design and arrangement of the first and / or second lock gate also makes it possible to design them as self-locking, thus enabling their use for achieving and maintaining higher negative pressures in the lock. A lock according to the invention is therefore preferred, wherein the first and / or the second lock gate is mechanically self-locking.

[0031] As mentioned above, during the introduction of samples or sample receiving elements, after the sample has been placed in the airlock and before further transport into the interior of the mass spectrometer, the airlock is usually evacuated and / or purged with inert gas. In this context, an airlock according to the invention is preferred, wherein the first opening of the lock can be sealed airtight by the first lock gate and / or the second opening of the lock can be sealed airtight by the second lock gate and / or A negative pressure can be created in the lock when the first and second openings are closed (i.e., the lock can be evacuated).

[0032] As already explained above, the linear drive for moving the rotatable element can be designed in various ways.

[0033] A preferred option is a lock according to the invention, wherein the linear drive comprises a threaded rod, the threaded rod preferably extending over the entire length of the linear drive.

[0034] Preferably, the linear drive additionally includes an element movable along the threaded rod, such as a worm gear motor, to which the rotatable element is attached and via which the rotatable element is moved along the threaded rod.

[0035] Preferably extending the threaded rod over the entire length of the linear drive or over the entire distance between the first and second opening of the lock has the advantage that this creates the greatest possible movement length of the rotatable element between the two openings of the lock by utilizing the threaded rod.

[0036] A preferred option is a lock according to the invention, wherein the linear drive has a section comprising a rack at at least one of its two ends, wherein the linear drive preferably comprises a rack at least at its end facing the first opening, and wherein the linear drive particularly preferably comprises a rack exclusively at its end facing the first opening. This ensures that a rotational movement of the pin located on the arm of the rotatable element is already realized at at least one end of the linear drive, by which the pin is either guided into or out of a groove of the sample holding element, and thus a "gripping" or "releasing" of the sample holding element already takes place when the rotatable element moves at at least one of the two outermost ends of the linear drive.This allows the entire path traveled by the rotatable element via the linear drive to be used for transporting the sample holding element.

[0037] Rotational movements of the rotatable element can be initiated by the presence of several rack-comprising subsections along the path traveled by the rotatable element through the linear drive.For example, it is conceivable that at the end of the linear drive facing the first opening, there is initially a first section comprising a rack, through which a first rotational movement (for example, a rotation of 90°) is realized to insert the pin into the groove of the sample holder element, the sample holder element is then transported to the other end of the linear drive via a translational movement, and there is another section comprising a rack there, through which a further rotational movement of the pin takes place for further / additional movement of the sample holder element and for the pin to be led out of the groove of the sample holder element again, and thus to the decoupling of the sample holder element from the transport device.

[0038] Preferably, the linear drive comprises a rack and pinion only on a single continuous section. This reduces the number of individual components for the transport device and thus its complexity, enabling, for example, faster and simpler manufacturing of the lock and its transport device.

[0039] A preferred design is a lock according to the invention in which all sections of the linear drive, which comprise a rack, together cause a rotational movement of the rotatable element by 180°.Implementing a 180° rotational movement for the rotatable element (as well as for its arm and the pin attached to it) has the advantage that it allows for a considerable movement of the sample receiving element through the sluice. Furthermore, during a 180° rotation, the pin has the opportunity to move completely through the groove of the sample receiving element and back again. Depending on its initial position relative to the groove and the shape of the arm, after completing a 180° rotation, the pin is either outside the groove or close to the opening for inserting the pin into the groove. This facilitates the decoupling of the groove and pin after the sample receiving element has been transported.

[0040] A preferred feature is a lock according to the invention, wherein the arm of the rotatable element (or at least the main section of the arm of the rotatable element) is horizontally aligned when the rotatable element comes to rest against the end of the linear drive facing the first opening, wherein preferably the arm of the rotatable element (or at least the main section of the arm of the rotatable element) is horizontally aligned when the rotatable element comes to rest against both ends of the linear drive.

[0041] A "stop" of the rotatable element at one of the two ends of the linear drive means that the rotatable element is in the start or end position for transporting the sample holding element and that no further movement of the rotatable element beyond this end should or can occur.

[0042] A horizontal orientation of the arm of the rotatable element (or at least its main section) when the rotatable element is stopped at the end of the linear drive facing the first opening has the advantage, for example, that a sample holder element to be inserted into the lock can be easily pushed over the arm into the lock without the arm obstructing its insertion. Ideally, the sample holder element is inserted into the lock in such a way that the opening of the groove of the sample holder element and the pin located on the arm of the rotatable element are opposite each other, and the pin can be inserted into the groove of the sample holder element during a rotational movement that preferably occurs at the beginning of the transport process through the lock.

[0043] A horizontal alignment of the arm of the rotatable element (or at least of its main section) when the rotatable element stops at the end of the linear drive facing the second opening has the additional advantage that this either automatically decouples the pin from the arm of the rotatable element and the groove of the sample receiving element after transport of the sample receiving element into the interior of the mass spectrometer, or at least simplifies the process.

[0044] The term "main section" of the arm of the rotating element refers to the longest part of the arm that forms a straight line. This term takes into account the fact that the arm of the rotating element does not necessarily have to be completely straight, but may alternatively have one or more bends.

[0045] A preferred feature is a lock according to the invention, wherein the arm of the rotatable element has a bend at its end (away from the center of the rotatable element), wherein the bend of the arm preferably points downwards when the rotatable element hits the end of the linear drive facing the first opening of the lock, or points away from a sample receiving element inserted into the first opening of the lock.

[0046] A corresponding bend in the arm of the rotatable element can help ensure that the arm does not obstruct the insertion of a sample holder. Furthermore, a bend in the arm that points downwards when the rotatable element reaches the end of the linear drive facing the first opening of the sluice can ensure that the pin inserted into the groove of the sample holder by a rotational movement remains in the groove even after a preferred 180° rotation. This maintains contact between the sample holder and the transport device even after a 180° rotation, allowing the sample holder to continue moving via the linear drive of the transport device even after the completion of such a rotation.

[0047] In cases where, after the complete transport path to be performed by the transport device for the insertion of a sample receiving element, contact remains between the groove of the sample receiving element and the pin of the arm of the rotatable element, this contact is preferably broken by means of a movement mechanism located inside the mass spectrometer. For this purpose, the transport of the sample receiving element into the interior of the mass spectrometer can, for example, be designed such that the sample receiving element to be inserted is attached to or within a movement mechanism located inside the mass spectrometer during the insertion process, and subsequent movement of the movement mechanism releases the contact between the groove of the sample receiving element and the pin of the arm of the rotatable element.Preferably, only a slight movement of the motion mechanism without a particularly high force is required to release the contact between the groove of the sample holding element and the pin from the arm of the rotatable element, so that such a movement can also be easily realized by high-precision motion mechanisms with a comparatively small range of motion.

[0048] A lock according to the invention is preferred, wherein The lock additionally includes an obstacle against which a sample receiving element collides when inserted into the first opening, and which limits the length to which a sample receiving element can be inserted through the first opening into the lock. and / or The shape of the sample receiving element is adapted to the shape of the first opening of the lock in such a way that the sample receiving element can only be inserted into the first opening in one orientation. and / or The arrangement and design of the first opening of the lock, the transport device of the lock, and the sample receiving element that can be inserted into the first opening of the lock are coordinated in such a way that, after insertion of the sample receiving element into the first opening (i.e., after insertion of the sample receiving element to the length at which it encounters an obstacle for design reasons) and with simultaneous stop of the rotatable element at the end of the linear drive facing the first opening of the lock, the groove of the sample receiving element and the pin on the arm of the rotatable element are in one plane and next to each other (i.e., the groove on the sample receiving element is in the receiving position for the pin on the arm of the rotatable element, so that in a next step the pin can be inserted into the groove by moving the rotatable element).

[0049] The aforementioned preferred embodiments of the invention each contribute to ensuring that, after the sample holding element has been inserted into the first opening of the sluice, the groove of the sample holding element is ideally immediately in a position relative to the arm of the rotatable element which, during a rotational movement of the rotatable element, enables the secure insertion of the pin located on the arm of the rotatable element into the groove. In this way, any operating errors by users can be minimized.

[0050] The obstruction of the lock (preferably located within the lock), against which a sample receiving element abuts when inserted into the first opening, is such that it is adapted to the movement of the sample receiving element by the transport device that transport of the sample receiving element through the lock is not impeded. Preferably, the lock additionally includes a mechanism by which the obstruction is deflected out of the transport path of the sample receiving element when it begins to move through the transport device, thus enabling unimpeded movement of the sample receiving element through the lock to the interior of the mass spectrometer.After the rotatable element comes to a stop at the end of the linear drive facing the first opening (for example, after the rotatable element has "retracted" due to the ejection of a sample receiving element), the obstacle preferably moves automatically back into the transport path of the sample receiving element in order to once again exert its blocking effect for another sample receiving element to be introduced into the lock.

[0051] The first opening of the lock is typically designed as an operator interface, which (unless the first opening is closed by the first lock gate) serves to insert or remove a sample handling element. Preferably, the recess of the first opening is designed such that the sample handling element to be inserted into the first opening can be inserted precisely into the opening. Inserting or inserting the sample handling element into the first opening is preferably done manually.

[0052] A preferred feature is a lock according to the invention, wherein the transport device is configured and designed to transfer a sample receiving element inserted into the first opening of the lock via the lock to a sample receiving element holder located inside for ionization. The sample receiving element holder serves to fix the sample receiving element during the execution of a mass spectrometric analysis. Preferably, said sample receiving element holder is connected to a movement mechanism arranged inside the mass spectrometer, so that the sample receiving element inserted into the holder can be moved during a mass spectrometric analysis or between several planned mass spectrometric analyses.

[0053] Preferably, the sample holder is fixed in the sample holder partially or completely magnetically. For this purpose, both the sample holder and the sample holder preferably include magnets. The magnets of the sample holder and the magnets of the sample holder are arranged and aligned such that when the sample holder is inserted into or placed on the holder, the magnets of the sample holder interact with the magnets of the holder, thereby fixing the sample holder in or to the holder. This interaction can consist of either attraction or repulsion of the respective magnet pairs.When the sample holder is inserted into the holder, its magnets are preferably aligned and arranged with those of the holder such that, after the sample holder is fully inserted, a repulsive force exists between the respective magnet pairs of the two components (sample holder and holder), pressing the sample holder against the holder. Preferably, the respective magnet pairs are arranged axially offset from each other when the sample holder is fully inserted into the holder.

[0054] A (at least supporting) magnetic fixation of the sample holder element in the holder has the advantage that this allows for a secure and firm hold of the sample holder element with reproducible orientation, which at the same time can be released reversibly and with comparatively little effort for the removal of the sample holder element.

[0055] A set is also disclosed comprising a holder for sample receiving elements and a sample receiving element held by the holder, wherein the holder and the sample receiving element include at least one pair of magnets for fixing the sample receiving element in or on the holder, and one of the magnets of the pair is arranged in or on the holder and the second magnet of the pair is arranged in or on the sample receiving element. A set disclosed herein is preferred in which the at least one pair of magnets for fixing the sample receiving element is aligned and arranged such that, after the sample receiving element has been completely inserted into or attached to the holder, a repulsive force exists between the two magnets of the pair, by which the sample receiving element is pressed against the holder.A preferred configuration is a set disclosed herein in which the at least one pair of magnets is axially offset from one another when the sample holding element is fully inserted into the holder and / or in the intended connected state of the sample holding element and the holder. Preferably, the set disclosed herein comprises more than one pair of magnets for fixing the sample holding element, particularly preferably two to six pairs of magnets. Regarding the advantages of such magnetic fixing of a sample holding element in or on the holder and further details thereof, reference is made to the corresponding explanations above in the text.

[0056] Preferably, sample carriers are also fixed in or on sample holding elements (at least partially) magnetically. Particularly preferably by one or more pairs of magnets that exert an attractive force on each other. The pairs of magnets can, for example, be arranged in or on the sample carriers and the sample holding elements, respectively, so that the attractive magnetic effect occurs when the sample carriers and sample holding elements are brought together in the desired orientation.

[0057] Alternatively, the sample holder can also be designed in two parts, for example, a first part for inserting sample carriers and a second part for clamping the sample carrier within the sample holder. In such cases, the respective pairs of attracting magnets are preferably located in or on the first and second parts of the sample holder, so that when both parts are brought together, the clamping effect, which holds the sample carrier, is achieved by a magnetic attraction between the first and second parts of the sample holder. Additionally or alternatively, the fixation of sample carriers in or on sample holders can preferably also be achieved by one or more, preferably spring-loaded, pressure pins, which press the sample carriers against the sample holders and thus fix them to the sample holders.The advantages of such a fixation are that it is reversible and easy to release, yet still allows a sufficiently firm hold of a sample carrier within a sample holding element in an easily reproducible orientation.

[0058] A preferred option is a lock according to the invention, wherein the transport device is configured and designed to first transport a sample receiving element inserted into the first opening of the lock completely into the lock, so that before the second lock gate opens and the sample receiving element is transported further into the interior of the mass spectrometer, the first and second openings of the lock can be closed by the first and second lock gates, and a negative pressure can be created in the lock (i.e., the lock is evacuated). In other words, the lock is preferably configured to completely accommodate the sample receiving element to be transported within its interior.The transport device is preferably designed to first transport a sample receiving element to be transported completely into the interior of the lock, to stop it there and to continue the transport towards the interior of the mass spectrometer only at a later time, for example after the lock has been evacuated.

[0059] A preferred option is a lock according to the invention, wherein the transport device or the rotatable element additionally comprises one or more means by which a rotational movement of the rotatable element is prevented over at least a portion of the path that the rotatable element can travel between the first and second openings of the lock. Such partial locking of the rotational movement can be advantageous, for example, to maintain contact, once established by a rotational movement, between the groove of the sample holding element to be transported and the pin on the arm of the rotatable element for as long as necessary and to prevent it from being inadvertently lost again due to further rotation during the execution of a linear movement by the linear drive of the transport device.Such a locking mechanism can also be useful to prevent further rotation of the rotatable element after it has been fully rotated by, for example, 180°.

[0060] The one or more means by which a rotational movement of the rotatable element is prevented over at least a portion of the path that can be traveled by the rotatable element between the first and second opening of the lock preferably comprise magnetic elements and / or a groove and a pin that can be inserted into it and / or a torsion spring.

[0061] A preferred lock according to the invention comprises a toggle drive for the first and / or second lock gate. Such a toggle drive is particularly suitable for performing the movement of a preferred lock gate described above in the direction of the first and / or second opening of the lock, thereby completely covering and closing the opening. Simultaneously, such a movement can be achieved using a toggle drive while requiring minimal space for the first and / or second lock gate and its movement mechanism.

[0062] The presence of a toggle drive also enables the effective implementation of the preferred self-locking or self-locking effect of the sluice gate. A self-locking effect can be achieved with a toggle drive by pressing the toggle lever against the opening to be closed as it moves from the sluice gate's locking element. This locks the toggle lever in its position after the opening is closed and significantly reduces the risk of accidental or unintentional movement of the toggle lever back to the unlocked position.

[0063] Part of the invention also includes a mass spectrometer, in particular a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, comprising - an interior area for the ionization of a sample to be analyzed, wherein the interior area for ionization contains a holder for sample receiving elements (piezo stage) that can be moved by means of piezoelectric motors, and - a lock according to the invention (as defined above and in the claims), wherein the insertion and removal of a sample receiving element from an exterior area of ​​the mass spectrometer into the holder for sample receiving elements located in the interior area for ionization is carried out via the lock.

[0064] As explained above, such a mass spectrometer combines the possibility of highly precise movement of a sample during a mass spectrometric analysis with the simultaneous possibility of maintaining an atmosphere necessary for a mass spectrometric investigation inside the mass spectrometer during the exchange of samples by introducing and removing samples via a lock.

[0065] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures. The exemplary embodiments given below are intended to describe and explain the invention in more detail without limiting its scope.

[0066] The elements in the accompanying illustrations are not necessarily shown to scale, but are primarily intended to illustrate the principles of the invention (mostly schematically). Corresponding elements in the different views are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0067] They show: Fig. : Illustration of a lock according to the invention. Fig. : Side view of the in Fig. The depicted lock shows the first opening of the lock. Fig. : Side view of the in Fig. The depicted lock shows the second opening of the lock. Fig. : Representation of a transport device of a lock according to the invention, wherein the rotatable element is in the starting position for receiving a sample receiving element (i.e. at the stop of the end of the linear drive facing the first opening). Fig. : Further presentation of the in Fig. The transport device shown is located after a rotation of the rotatable element by 90°. Fig. : Further presentation of the in Fig. The transport device shown is located after the rotatable element has stopped at the end of the linear drive facing the second opening. Fig. : Further presentation of the in Fig. The transport device shown includes a sample receiving element inserted into the lock after contact of the pin on the arm of the rotatable element with the groove located in the sample receiving element. Fig. : Side view of the in Fig. The illustrated transport device is shown with a view to the end of the linear drive facing the second opening. Fig. : Representation of a cross-section of a section of the in Fig. visible rotatable element. Fig. : Illustration of a lock gate of a lock according to the invention (side view). Fig. : A representation of the image rotated by 90° Fig. shown lock gate. Fig. : Perspective representation of the in Fig. shown lock gate. Fig. : A representation of the image rotated by 180° Fig. shown lock gate.

[0068] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a lock 10 according to the invention comprising a first opening 11 for introducing a sample receiving element 16 from an external area into the lock 10 (see Figure 1). Fig. , in Fig. (not recognizable) and comprising a second opening 12 for introducing a sample receiving element 16 from the lock 10 into an interior area of ​​the mass spectrometer.

[0069] The in Fig. The illustrated embodiment of a lock 10 according to the invention further comprises on its outer wall below the second opening 12 a locking bolt 13 for a movement mechanism located inside the mass spectrometer or a holder for sample receiving elements 16 attached to the movement mechanism. Typically, a sample receiving element 16 inserted through the second opening 12 into the interior of the mass spectrometer is placed directly on or attached to a movement mechanism located inside the mass spectrometer, and the sample receiving element 16 is typically inserted into a holder for the sample receiving elements 16 attached to the movement mechanism.In this context, the locking bolt 13 serves to minimize the force acting on the movement mechanism during the process of transferring the sample holding element 16. This force is at least partially absorbed by the locking bolt 13, thus enabling a controlled and, if possible, gentle transfer of the sample holding element 16 onto or to the often very sensitive movement mechanism. The second opening 12 and the locking bolt 13 are connected via the opening shown in the diagram. Fig. The side view of Lock 10 shown can be viewed again from a different perspective.

[0070] Fig. shows a side view of the in Fig. The illustrated lock 10 shows the first opening 11 of the lock 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the first opening 11 is adapted to the shape of the sample holding elements 16 to be inserted into the lock 10 such that the sample holding elements 16 can only be inserted into the lock 10 through the first opening 11 in a specific orientation. This ensures that sample holding elements 16 are always inserted into the lock 10 with the correct orientation, so that, for example, the pin 1412 on the arm 1411 of the rotatable element 141 can be inserted directly into the groove 161 of the sample holding element 16 to be transported after the sample holding element 16 has been inserted into the lock 10.Specifying the correct orientation of the sample receiving element 16 for insertion into the first opening 11 of the lock 10 by means of a special shape of the first opening 11 is particularly helpful because the insertion of sample receiving elements 16 into the lock 10 is usually done manually and by specifying the orientation for the insertion of sample receiving elements 16 into the lock 10 any operator errors can be avoided.

[0071] Fig. The transport device 14 located in the lock 10 is shown. The rotatable element 141 of the transport device 14 is located in the illustration according to Fig. at the end of the linear drive 142 facing the first opening 11 and thus in the “starting position” for receiving a sample receiving element 16 that can be pushed into the lock 10 by the operator.

[0072] The arm 1411 of the rotatable element 141 has a straight main section and a bend at its end. In the starting position according to Fig. The arm 1411 faces the first opening 11, and the main section of the arm 1411 is horizontally aligned. In this position, the curved end of the arm 1411 points downwards. In the starting position, the gear-like section 1413 of the rotatable element 141 is also located above a rack 1421, which is likewise arranged at the end of the linear drive 142 facing the first opening 11. At the same time, the rotatable element 141 is connected to a motor 1425 via a motor flange / connecting piece 1422 (in Fig. (not visible) connected to the transport device 14, which is located on the opposite side of the transport device 14. The motor 1425 itself is mounted on a threaded rod 1424, on which the motor 1425 can move between the two ends of the linear drive 142. Due to the connection of the motor 1425 with the rotatable element 141, a linear movement of the motor 1425 simultaneously causes a linear movement of the rotatable element 141. The linear movement of the rotatable element 141 is further stabilized by a guide element 1423, along which the rotatable element moves.

[0073] Fig. The transport device 14 shows Fig. after a movement of the rotatable element 141 in the direction of the second opening 12 of the lock 10. When the rotatable element 141 moves from the end of the linear drive 142 facing the first opening 11 in the direction of the second opening 12 of the lock 10, a rotational movement of the rotatable element 141 and its arm 1411 is also caused due to the interlocking of gear-like section 1413 and rack 1421. This rotational movement serves to insert the pin 1412 on the arm 1411 of the rotatable element 141 into the groove 161 of a sample receiving element 16 which can be inserted into the lock 10 from the operator's side and thereby contact the transport device 14 or its rotatable element 141 with the sample receiving element 16 to be transported, so that the movement of the rotatable element 141 can also cause the sample receiving element to move from the first opening 11 towards the second opening 12 of the lock 10.By contacting the rotatable element 141 via the pin 1412 located on the arm 1411, the sample holding element 16 to be transported experiences both due to the linear motion driven by the motor 1425 (in . Fig. The movement of the rotatable element 141 (not visible) is initiated by the movement of the rotatable element 141, as is the rotational movement of the arm 1411 or pin 1412 of the rotatable element 141, initiated by the engagement of the rack 1421 and the gear-like section 1413. This movement is directed towards the second opening 12 of the lock 10. As a result, the transport device 14, despite its arrangement within the lock 10, achieves a transport path for the sample receiving element 16 that exceeds the length of the lock 10 and enables not only transport of the sample receiving element 16 within the lock 10 by the transport device 14, but also further transport into the interior of the mass spectrometer.The rotational movement of the rotatable element 141 does not itself cause the sample receiving element 16 to be transported to rotate, since the groove 161 of the sample receiving element 16 is at least as long as the furthest vertical extent of the pin 1412 running in the groove 161, and thus "only" a movement of the pin 1412 towards one of the two openings of the lock 10 is transmitted to the sample receiving element 16. This results in a simpler, space-saving, and better-controlled movement of a sample receiving element 16 to be transported through the lock.

[0074] The in Fig. The rotatable element 141 shown can perform a total rotational movement of 180°. Accordingly, both the gear-like section 1413 of the rotatable element 141 and the rack 1421 are precisely designed to execute a rotation of 180°. In the illustrated embodiment, further rotation of the rotatable element 141 is also prevented by a stop 1414 arranged on the rotatable element 141 to limit its rotational movement.

[0075] Rotation of the rotatable element 141 should generally only occur in the area encompassing the rack 1421. According to the illustrated embodiment, a locking device prevents the rotatable element 141 from rotating backwards in areas of the transport path without the rack 1421. The locking device consists of a pin 1416 arranged on the rotatable element 141, which engages in a groove 1417 after the rotatable element 141 has rotated 180°. The groove 1417 of the locking device adjoins the area of ​​the transport path with the rack 1421 and extends toward the second opening 12 of the lock 10.By running the pin 1416 of the anti-rotation device in the groove 1417 of the anti-rotation device in those areas of the transport path without rack 1421, a backward rotation of the rotatable element 141 after the initial rotation of 180° on the further path of the rotatable element 141 towards the second opening 12 of the lock 10 is prevented.

[0076] To ensure the smoothest possible movement of the pin 1416 of the anti-rotation device in the groove 1417 of the anti-rotation device, the pin 1416 of the anti-rotation device is held in its position as it moves through the groove 1417 of the anti-rotation device by the action of magnetic forces, preferably in the center of the groove 1417 and thus with as little contact as possible with it. To achieve such a magnetic effect, the rotatable element 141 shown additionally includes a magnet 1415, which interacts with a second magnet located in the motor flange / connecting piece 1422 (not visible in the illustrations), and thereby holds the rotatable element in a position in which the pin 1416 of the anti-rotation device is held with as little contact as possible with the inner surfaces of the groove 1417.

[0077] The bend at the end of the arm 1411 of the rotatable element 141 ensures that, even after the arm 1411 has rotated 180°, the pin 1412 located on the arm 1411 remains within the groove 161 of the sample receiving element 16. Thus, even after the arm 1411 has completed its rotation, contact is maintained between the rotatable element 141 and the sample receiving element 16, allowing the sample receiving element 16 to move further towards the second opening 12 of the lock 10. This contact between the rotatable element 141 and the sample receiving element 16 can typically be easily released after the sample receiving element 16 has been fully transported into the interior of the mass spectrometer, for example, by a slight upward movement of a mechanism on or against which the sample receiving element was placed inside the mass spectrometer.

[0078] Fig. The transport device 14 shows Fig. After the rotatable element 141 has come to rest against the end of the linear drive 142 facing the second opening 12, and thus after a complete movement through the airlock 10, the main section of the arm 1411 of the rotatable element 141 is again in a horizontal orientation. Furthermore, in this position, the arm 1411 of the rotatable element 141 extends through the second opening 12 of the airlock 10 into the interior of the mass spectrometer to ensure the complete transport of a sample receiving element 16 into the interior of the mass spectrometer.

[0079] In Fig. In addition to the transport device 14, a sample receiving element 16 is also shown. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the process of inserting the pin 1412 located on the arm 1411 of the rotatable element 141 into the groove 161 of a sample receiving element 16 inserted into the lock 10 by rotating the rotatable element 141.

[0080] For the simple insertion of the pin 1412 located on the arm 1411 of the rotatable element 141 into the groove 161 of a sample receiving element 16 inserted into the lock 10, in addition to the correct alignment of the sample receiving element 16 with which it is inserted into the lock 10, it is also relevant that the sample receiving element 16 is inserted into the lock 10 to such an extent that the opening of the groove 161 of the sample receiving element 16 and the pin 1412 located on the arm 1411 of the rotatable element 141 are ideally directly opposite each other.To ensure reproducible positioning of the opening of the groove 161 of the sample holding element 16 and the pin 1412 located on the arm 1411 of the rotatable element 141, the transport device 14 shown in the figures includes a barrier 15 against which a sample holding element 16 abuts when inserted into the first opening 11, and which limits the length to which a sample holding element 16 can be inserted into the lock 10. The barrier 15 is mechanically coupled to the linear drive 142 in such a way that when the rotatable element 141 moves out of its starting position, a movement of the barrier 15 is simultaneously initiated, thereby moving the barrier 15 out of the transport path for the sample holding element 16 and enabling further transport of the sample holding element 16 into the interior of the lock 10.Conversely, a movement of the obstacle 15 into the transport path for sample receiving elements 16 is triggered by a stop of the rotatable element 141 at the end of the linear drive 142 facing the first opening 11, that is, by the arrival of the rotatable element 141 at its starting position for the transport of a sample receiving element 16 into the interior of the mass spectrometer.

[0081] In Fig. is the in Fig. The illustration shown is rotated 90°. The arrangement of the motor 1425, which is located on a threaded rod 1424, is clearly visible in this view. Furthermore, the shapes of the guide element 1423 for the rotatable element 141 and the obstacle 15 are clearly discernible. In this view, the obstacle 15 is still partially obstructing the transport path for the sample receiving element 16.

[0082] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional section of the rotatable element 141, in which the shape and position of the pin 1412 located on the arm 1411 of the rotatable element 141 are further illustrated. Fig. The stop 1414 for limiting the rotational movement of the rotatable element 141 is also visible. The pin of the anti-rotation device 1416, which is also located on the rotatable element 141 shown in the illustrations, is visible in the section shown according to Fig. not visible. This would be from the left, into Fig. Cut-off area protruding.

[0083] Fig. shows a side view of lock gate 17 located in lock 10. In the Fig. That representation is shown rotated by 90° once more. Fig. show perspective views of the same lock gate 17 from different viewpoints.

[0084] The toggle lever 171 is clearly visible in each illustration. It is used to press the closing element 173 against the openings of the lock 10, thus closing one of them. The closing element 173 has a seal, which, when pressed against one of the openings, ensures an airtight seal. The toggle lever 171 is moved by a spindle nut 176, which is connected to it. The spindle nut 176 is located on a spindle 175, which can be rotated by a motor 174. Rotating the spindle 175 moves the spindle nut 176 along the spindle 175, and this movement, due to the connection between the spindle nut 176 and the toggle lever 171, simultaneously moves the toggle lever 171.

[0085] The toggle lever 171 is also connected to a guide element, which enables controlled movement of the toggle lever 171. The guide element comprises two guide rails and a guide rod equipped with guide rollers 172 on both sides. The guide rollers 172 are movably arranged within the guide rails, and the guide rod is coupled to the toggle lever 171. The guide element ensures that the toggle lever 171 and the locking element 173 located thereon move parallel to the wall of the lock 10 surrounding the opening to be closed. This movement parallel to the wall occurs without the locking element 173 contacting the wall, thus preventing friction between the seal of the locking element 173 and the wall and any resulting damage to the seal.

[0086] Only after reaching the height of the opening to be closed does the guide element, through notches in its guide rails, allow movement of the toggle lever 171 and the locking element 173 located thereon towards the wall surrounding the opening, and pressing the locking element 173 against the point on the wall where the opening is located. The movement mechanism, which can be executed through the lock gate 17, allows for simple and safe opening and closing of the openings of the lock 10 while requiring comparatively little space. Reference symbol list: 10 Lock 11. First opening for inserting a sample receiving element from an outside area into the lock 12. Second opening for inserting a sample receiving element from the sluice into an interior area of ​​the mass spectrometer 13 locking bolts for a movement mechanism located inside the mass spectrometer or a holder for sample receiving elements attached to the movement mechanism 14 Transport device 15. Obstacle against which a sample receiving element encounters when inserted into the first opening 16 Sample receiving element 17 Lock gate 141 rotating element 142 Linear drive 161 Groove of the sample receiving element 171 Knee lever 172 guide rollers of the guide element of the toggle lever drive 173 Locking element 174 Motor for toggle lever drive 175 Spindle for toggle lever drive 176 Spindle nut for toggle lever drive 1411 Arm of the rotating element 1412 pin located on the arm 1413 gear-like section of the rotatable element 1414 Stop to limit the rotational movement of the rotatable element 1415 Anti-rotation magnet 1416 Anti-rotation pin 1417 Nut of the anti-rotation device 1421 Rack and pinion 1422 Motor flange (connecting piece for connecting motor and rotating element) 1423 Guide element for transport device 1424 Threaded rod 1425 Motor for transport device

Claims

[1] Lock (10) for introducing and ejecting a sample receiving element (16) into a mass spectrometer, comprising a first opening (11) for introducing the sample receiving element (16) from an outside area into the lock (10), a second opening (12) for introducing the sample receiving element (16) from the lock (10) into an interior area of ​​the mass spectrometer, a first lock gate (17) for closing the first opening (11) of the lock (10), and a second lock gate (17) for closing the second opening (12) of the lock (10), wherein the lock (10) additionally comprises a transport device (14) arranged in the lock (10) for transporting the sample receiving element (16) from the first opening (11) of the lock (10) into the interior of the mass spectrometer, wherein the transport device (14) comprises the following components: - a rotatable element (141), comprising ◯ an arm (1411), ◯ a pin (1412) located on the arm (1411), which can be inserted into a groove (161) of the sample receiving element (16) to be transported, and ◯ a gear-like section (1413), - a linear drive (142) for moving the rotatable element (141) from the first opening (11) of the lock (10) into the interior of the mass spectrometer, wherein the linear drive (142) comprises a rack (1421) on at least one section and the rack (1421) is designed to mesh with the teeth of the gear-like section (1413) of the rotatable element (141), and wherein the rotatable element (141) performs a rotational movement when passing over the rack (1421) so that the pin (1412) located on the arm (1411) of the rotatable element (141) can be guided into and along the groove (161) in the sample receiving element (16), and upon contact of the pin (1412) with the sample receiving element (16), a movement of the sample receiving element (16) from the first opening (11) of the lock (10) to in the interior of the mass spectrometer can be realized by moving the pin (1412). [2] Lock (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first and / or the second lock gate (17) - is located within the lock (10), and - is designed and constructed to first perform a movement parallel to the wall in which the opening (11, 12) to be closed is located in order to close the first or second opening (12) of the lock (10), and after reaching the height of the opening (11, 12) to perform a movement in the direction of the opening (11, 12) so that the opening (11, 12) is completely covered and closed by the lock gate (17). [3] Lock (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first opening (11) of the lock (10) can be sealed airtight by the first lock gate (17) and / or the second opening (12) of the lock (10) can be sealed airtight by the second lock gate (17) and / or A negative pressure can be created in the lock (10) when the first and second openings (12) are closed. [4] Lock (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the linear drive (142) comprises a threaded rod (1424), wherein the threaded rod (1424) preferably extends over the entire length of the linear drive (142), and / or the linear drive (142) has at least one of its two ends a partial section comprising a rack (1421), wherein the linear drive (142) preferably comprises a rack (1421) at least at its end facing the first opening (11), wherein the linear drive (142) particularly preferably comprises a rack (1421) exclusively at its end facing the first opening (11), and / or All sections of the linear drive (142), which include a rack (1421), together cause a rotational movement of the rotatable element (141) by 180°. [5] Lock (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm (1411) of the rotatable element (141) is horizontally aligned when the rotatable element (141) is stopped (1414) at the end of the linear drive (142) facing the first opening (11), wherein preferably the arm (1411) of the rotatable element (141) is horizontally aligned at both ends of the linear drive (142) when the rotatable element (141) is stopped (1414). [6] Lock (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm (1411) of the rotatable element (141) has a bend at its end, wherein the bend of the arm (1411) preferably points downwards when the rotatable element (1414) stops at the end of the linear drive (142) facing the first opening (11) of the lock (10). [7] Lock (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock (10) additionally includes an obstacle (15) against which a sample receiving element (16) abuts when inserted into the first opening (11) and by which the length to which a sample receiving element (16) can be inserted through the first opening (11) into the lock (10) is limited. and / or the shape of the sample receiving element (16) is adapted to the shape of the first opening (11) of the lock (10) such that the sample receiving element (16) can only be inserted into the first opening (11) in one orientation. and / or The arrangement and design of the first opening (11) of the lock (10), the transport device (14) of the lock (10) and the sample receiving element (16) that can be inserted into the first opening (11) of the lock (10) is coordinated in such a way that, after insertion of the sample receiving element (16) into the first opening (11) and simultaneous stop (1414) of the rotatable element (141) at the end of the linear drive (142) facing the first opening (11) of the lock (10), the groove (161) of the sample receiving element (16) and the pin (1412) on the arm (1411) of the rotatable element (141) are in one plane and next to each other. [8] Lock (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device (14) additionally comprises one or more means by which a rotational movement of the rotatable element (141) is prevented over at least a partial distance of the path that can be traveled by the rotatable element (141) between the first and second opening (12) of the lock (10). [9] Lock (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second lock gate (17) comprises a toggle lever drive. [10] Mass spectrometer, comprising - an interior area for the ionization of a sample to be analyzed, wherein the interior area for ionization contains a holder for sample receiving elements (16) that can be moved by means of piezoelectric motors, and - a lock (10) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the insertion and removal of a sample receiving element (16) from an outside area of ​​the mass spectrometer into the holder for sample receiving elements (16) located in the inside area for ionization is carried out via the lock (10).

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