Today, every automated machining process is still often preceded by a worker who loads the components to be machined into the automation cell. This is also due to the fact that the "reach into the box", in which these components are sometimes unsorted, cannot yet be automated with process reliability.

Inserting the components directly into the production cell causes an interruption in the production process. For this reason, accumulation lines are used, particularly in series production, on which the worker can load a certain number of components for a cycle of 20 to 30 minutes. So-called "accumulation chain conveyors" have become established as the equipment for these loading stations. With this type of conveyor, the individual pallets can be loaded independently of the cycle of the downstream process automation chain. The component carriers, which are matched to the geometry, prove to be a source of danger with accumulation conveyors, especially if they are conveyed from bottom to top via a 180-degree rotary movement, as is the case with the horizontal conveyor principle.

As this is ideally the area where the worker is inserted, it must be mechanically protected in accordance with safety regulations. One common system is a protective housing. However, this restricts the worker's free access to the belt. The pallets can only be loaded from the sides. This is why Tünkers, together with Lat, has developed the so-called LFS accumulation conveyor, which functions with a friction lock in the area of the deflection and thus ensures worker safety. The friction lock allows the worker to stop the upward-driven pallet.

The system is also equipped with a slip clutch. This coupling element is designed so that the machine comes to a standstill in the event of a collision between two accumulating pallets in the area of the deflection. This eliminates the need for an additional protective housing. At the same time, it is possible to load the conveyor belt/magazine directly at the head end. Several accumulating conveyors can also be positioned very close together ergonomically so that the various belts can be loaded from the head end over short distances.

Another advantage of the LFS belt is the integrated drive-on clutch. When the pallet hits the stationary pallet hoist, this carrier is decoupled so that the drive motor only has to overcome the friction power of the first pallet. Very small motors can therefore be used with this type of conveyor system, which in turn has a positive effect on operating costs. This makes the LFS conveyor suitable for loading automation cells with small to medium-sized workpieces with component weights of up to 50 kilograms and dimensions of 600 and millimetres. as