ES2458565T3 - Cable connection device - Google Patents

Abstract

A tension member termination device (10) for an elevator system comprising: a plug (30) having a bulbous end and characterized in that: said plug (30) further comprises a load surface channel (38) and a cut surface channel (40), said bulbous end and said channels (38, 40) defining a tension member path around them; a load side plate (80) that can be attached to said plug (30) to apply normal pressure to a load side of one end of a tension member between said load surface channel (38) and said plug (30) and said load side plate (80); a cut side plate (96) that can be attached to said plug (30) to apply normal pressure to a cut side of said end of said tension member between said cut surface channel (40) of said plug (30) and said cut side plate (96), wherein a surface of said path has a texture to increase the coefficient of friction thereof.

Description

Cable connection device

Technical field

The present invention relates to lifting systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a termination for a flat, flexible tension element.

Background of the invention

A conventional traction lift system includes a cab, a counterweight, two or more cables (tension elements) that interconnect the cab and the counterweights, terminations for each end of the cables at the connection points with the cab and the counterweights, a traction sheave to move the cables and a machine to rotate the traction sheave. The cables have traditionally been made of corked or braided steel wires that are easily and reliably terminated by means such as compression terminations and encapsulated terminations.

Compression type terminations for larger diameter steel cables (conventional steel lifting cables) are extremely effective and reliable. The range of pressures located in such terminations is reasonably wide without adverse consequences. As long as the applied pressure is somewhere reasonably above the threshold pressure to retain the wires, the termination will be effective.

With an industry trend towards flat cables, with these cables having small cross-section cords and polymeric sheaths, there is significantly more criticality involved in effectively terminating them. More specifically, when subjected to pressure, the polymeric coating can deform up to 50% of its original thickness. The knowledge of the prior art that teaches to exceed a threshold is not all that you have to worry about in the flat, flexible tension elements. The upper compression limits are also important.

Since current knowledge in the art of tension element terminations is far from perfect for flat, flexible tension elements, due to both small cord diameter and sheath properties discussed above, the technique needs a device. Tension element termination that specifically optimizes the terminations of the flat, flexible tension elements that are currently emerging in the art.

The prior art terminations are set forth in DE 29152A1A1, JP 08 040669A and DD 115089 A5.

Description of the invention

According to the present invention, a compression termination device according to claim 1 is provided. The plates and the plug are of sufficient width to accept a flat, flexible tension element of a selected width, and can be fixed together by means of clamps. In a state where the clamps are loose, the tension element can be inserted between the charging side plate and the plug, towards and around the bulb and up again between the cut side plate and the plug, after which, the clamping of the clamps produces significant frictional forces on the tension element to retain it while the compressive forces on the tension element are intentionally limited to approximately 2 MPa on the loading side of the device and 5 MPa on the cut side of the device. The friction is increased by texturing the surfaces of the termination device with which the tension element makes contact. With compressive forces such as those indicated, deformation is minimized while the termination maintains a sufficient grip strength to provide a safety factor (fds) of 12 to maintain adequate termination strength.

Since deformation is a possibility even with MPa levels within the indicated limits, the invention optionally includes a structure that provides a resistance so that the compressive force on the tension element remains in the acceptable range even if a deformation occurs.

Optionally, the termination of the invention further includes an immobilization device fastened to the cut end of the tension element. In the unlikely event of the tension element slipping through the termination device, the immobilization device will be dragged into the termination device and will prevent the cut end of the tension element from exiting the termination device.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an elevator system;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the termination device of the invention;

Figure 3 is a rear elevational view of a plug of the invention;

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of a plug of the invention;

Figure 5 is an elevational top plan view of a plug of the invention;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 3 but has studs installed therein;

Figure 7 is a rear elevational view of a compression plate of the invention;

Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a compression plate of the invention;

Figure 9 is a rear elevational view of the invention in an assembled and tight state;

Figure 10 is a side elevational view of the invention in an assembled and tight state;

Figure 11 is a schematic view of a nut and a bolt with elastic washers thereon in the unzipped state;

Figure 12 is a schematic view of a nut and a bolt with elastic washers thereon in the compressed state;

Figure 13 is a schematic view of an alternative thrust means of the invention;

Figure 14 is a schematic view of the termination device of the invention illustrating force directions for calculations provided herein;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the pivot connector of the termination device of the invention;

Figure 16 is an assembled perspective view of the immobilization device of the invention;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the inside of one side of the immobilization device, and

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the inner part of a second side of the immobilization device.

Figure 19 is a side sectional view of a traction sheave and a plurality of flat cables each having a plurality of cords.

Figure 20 is a sectional view of one of the flat cables.

Best way to carry out the invention

The relative location of the tension element termination device of the invention can be established with reference to Figure 1. For clarity, the elevator system 12 is illustrated having a cabin 14, a counterweight 16, a traction motor 18 and a machine 20 The traction motor 18 includes a tension element 22 that interconnects the cabin 14 and the counterweight 16, an element that is moved by a pulley 24. The two ends of the tension element 22, that is, a cabin end 26 and a 28th counterweight, must be terminated. It is this termination point for a flat, flexible tension element that the invention deals with. In the US document with Serial No. 09 / 031.108, filed on February 26, 1998, entitled Tension Member For An Elevator, and in the continuation request in part entitled Tension Member For an Elevator, filed on December 22, 1998 under lawyer file No. 98-2143, an exemplary tension element of the type contemplated in this application is analyzed in more detail. The elevator system shown is provided for illustrative purposes to illustrate the location of the device of the invention.

Focusing on the termination device, with reference to Figure 2, and noting that the two ends 26 and 28 can be terminated in a similar manner, the device of the invention mainly comprises a plug 30 around which a tension element extends flat, flexible, (not shown), a load side plate 80 and a cut side plate 96. The invention further comprises an elastic compression subsystem and an articulated connector that will be discussed hereinafter.

Returning to the main part of the invention and directing attention to Figures 2 to 5, the plug 30 includes a conical end 32 both to facilitate the insertion of a tension element in the assembled state without tightening of the device and, additionally and importantly, to avoid a sharp edge that would not promote fatigue in the tension element where the element enters the termination device 10. The taper is from two main surfaces of the plug 30, that is to say a charging surface 34 and a cut surface 36. The plug 30 also includes channels 38 and 40, respectively. Channels 38 and 40 are sized to receive a voltage element of a width that has been preselected. When the termination device is assembled, each channel is fitted with a section of the tension element. Each channel can be left smooth, and the termination device will remain effective. However, it is preferred to texture each channel and the bulb surface 42,

thus increasing the coefficient of friction of all surfaces of the plug 30 with which the finished tension element will make contact. A preferred method to texture channels 38 and 40 as well as surface 42 is sandblasting. However, it will be understood that other methods such as milling, chemical etching, etc. may also be used.

The plug 30 further includes connecting wings 44 and 46 having a plurality of fastener holes 48 and, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of stud receiving openings 50. The number of holes 48 depends on the length of the plug 30 and the allowable pressure on the tension element. In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, four holes 48 and three openings 50 are provided in each wing 44 and 46. In a preferred embodiment, the openings 50 are threaded to receive studs 52 (Figure 6). It should be noted that the studs 52, as shown in Figure 6, extend only to the cut side 36 of the plug

30. The studs 52 allow the application of a compressive load on the cut side 36 of the plug 30 greater than the load applied on the load side 34 of the plug 30, which is applied by bolts that extend completely through the device 10 In other words, the load applied on the respective sides of the plug 30 (through plates discussed below) by the bolts (which extend through the device) and the nuts is approximately equal; the studs 52 allow more load to be applied to the cut side, as is desirable and is further explained hereinafter.

In a preferred embodiment, the plug 30 (the constricted section between the plates) has a thickness of about 9 to about 12 millimeters to withstand the stress applied thereon.

Referring again to Figure 5, surface 42 is illustrated as a depressed area between flanges 54 and

56. Flanges are preferably provided to help properly seat a tension element when the termination is being constructed. This helps to ensure that the load cords of the tension element do not experience a significantly uneven load. To achieve the desired result, a significant flange height is not necessary. It has been found that a height of approximately 1 mm for each flange works properly.

The final feature of the plug 30 'is a pin receptacle 58 which preferably includes a socket 60 therein. The pin receptacle 58 is located in a bulb 62 of the plug 30, but is offset from the central axis of the bulb 62. More specifically, and to minimize angular stress on the tension element, the receptacle 58 is offset to the load side 34 of the plug 30 and is positioned to be aligned in the center with a tension element assembled with said termination element. By thus locating the receptacle, and therefore the pivot point in the system, the load hanging thereon will be aligned with the load side of the tension element coupled with the termination device of the invention.

The plug 30 is important for the functionality of the termination device the invention mainly because it provides three defined friction zones and a smooth elbow surface for the tension element. The combination reduces the compression force required to prevent the slipping of tension element, which is particularly useful when flat, flexible tension elements having polymer coatings are used. Reduce the compression force that would otherwise be required to alleviate deformation and reduce stress on the tension element. This is desirable since it can reduce the number of relocation operations of the cables that would be performed during the life of the elevator.

So far only plug 30 has been described, and it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the plug alone does not retain the tension element. Thus, reference is made to Figures 7 and 8, in which the plates 80 and 96 of load side and cut side are described, respectively. It should be noted that plate 80 and plate 96 are identical in a preferred embodiment and that different numbers are provided simply to distinguish each side of the termination device (which depends on the side) rather than to indicate any distinction between the plates themselves.

The plates 80 and 96 are curved at longitudinal upper and lower ends 82 and 84 thereof. The degree of curvature is selected to reduce, at the end 82, the fatigue of the tension element at the point where it enters the termination device. The curve at 82 preferably reflects the conical end 32 of the plug 30. The lower end 84 is curved to adjust the transition from the compression portion of the plug 30 to the bulb 62. In a preferred embodiment, the curves at 82 and 84, as well as those on the opposite plate 96 are identical, whereby plates 80 and 96 are interchangeable and can be oriented in any direction. This facilitates the assembly of the termination device.

On the convex side 86 of each plate 80 and 96 (it should be noted that the subscripts used to describe characteristics of each plate will be identical because the characteristics are identical and no distinction is necessary as to the side of the termination device) a region is provided 88 in which a textured surface is desirable. The texture can be of any type that increases the coefficient of friction without being significantly detrimental to the coating of the tension element. In a preferred embodiment, the sandblasting of the region is indicated. It will be understood that the claim can be textured by milling, chemical etching, knurling, etc. if desired or otherwise indicated. A preferred friction range for the device of the invention is about 0.15 to 0.5. Region 88 is sketched in Figure 8 in lines

discontinuous

Due to the texture processes, and especially the sandblasting process, the termination device may become more prone to corrosion. In order to avoid or inhibit such corrosion, it has been determined that electrolytic zinc plating can be advantageously used. Alternatively, a stainless steel material or an aluminum material may be used for the device of the invention.

Bordering the region 88 on each longitudinal side thereof is a plurality of play holes 90. In a preferred embodiment, seven holes 90 are provided on each side of the region 88. The holes 90 accept passage through bolts to assemble the device 10 and also studs 52 analyzed with reference to Figure 6. Although it has been claimed that the plates 80 and 96 are preferably interchangeable, it is also possible to remove holes in the load side plate 80 corresponding to the studs 52 by estimating only from the cut side 36 of the plug 30. The holes that can be removed can be established by reference to the Figure 9, in which bolts 100 are illustrated as if they extend through the entire assembly, and the studs 52 only extend through one side thereof, requiring only holes 90 in the cut side plate.

With reference to Figures 9 and 10, the device 10 is illustrated in the assembled state with bolts 100 and studs 52 properly tightened. The torque applied is analyzed further below, but is dictated by the pressure allowed on the tension element, which is approximately 2 MPa on the load side and approximately 5 MPa on the cut side of the termination device 10.

Preferably, a thrust arrangement is included in the assembly of the device 10, more specifically, it is desirable to provide for a possible deformation of the tension element and therefore to provide means for maintaining the prescribed normal force on the tension element although its thickness is reduced by the effects of deformation. Such an arrangement is illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. In Figure 11, the thrust arrangement of a stack of elastic washers 102 in the decompressed state is illustrated. On the other hand, Figure 12 illustrates the same stack of washers 102 after tightening bolt 100. In the event that after tightening the volume of material confined between a bolt head 194 and a nut 106 is reduced (Figure 9), Due to a deformation of the tension element, the washers 102 will expand and maintain the pressure on the tension element. The normal pressure on the tension element will therefore be maintained. The invention produces the additional benefit of an easy visual inspection for deformations, since if the washers exhibited a spaced appearance like that of Figure 11, it would be necessary to retighten. Elastic washers are known in the art and do not require a specific explanation. Other means of tightening can also be employed with the device of the invention, the common concept being that the predetermined normal force on the tension element must be maintained. An alternative thrust means is a corrugated elastic metal sheet 100 that would be placed on top of the cut-side plate 96 instead of the washers 102. The sheet 110 has holes 112 for passage through bolts 100 or studs 52, depending on The ubication. The holes 112 are preferably grooved to take into account the longitudinal expansion of the elastic sheet during the tightening of the fasteners and the consequent compression of the elastic sheet 110.

Reference is now made to Figure 14, a schematic view of the invention with the plates separated from the plug and with the required forces and voltages indicated. The invention provides five friction surfaces that combine to form three friction zones. Surfaces include: (1) the inner surface of the load side plate that makes contact with one side of the tension element; (2) the plug load side (corresponds to the load plate) that provides friction on an opposite side of the tension element from the load side plate; (3) the bulbous section that provides a continuous friction surface on which the tension element is in contact; (4) the cut side of the plug; and (5) the internal surface of the cut side plate, with surfaces 4 and 5 being opposite. These five surfaces create three friction zones that are solved in the following equations to determine the suitability of the set. Each zone is mathematically quantifiable. The sum of the three frictions must be sufficient to prevent slipping. Practically speaking, it is desirable to achieve 100% clamping efficiency. In order to achieve this efficiency, the sum of the three friction zones must be equal to or greater than the tensile strength of the tension element used. With a set that has a clamping efficiency of 100%, the tension element will break before the termination device allows the tension element to slide. In the following equations, several assumptions are made: the tensile strength of the cable is 30,000 Newtons; the coefficient of friction (μ) for the sandblasted surfaces preferred in the invention is 0.25; The normal force to the plate is a function of the number of bolts used multiplied by 1540 Newtons, which is the expected force produced by each bolt. These numbers are exemplary and can obviously be adjusted depending on the circumstances. A person skilled in the art, after exposure to this description, should be fully able to adjust the calculations to meet any specific parameter given without undue experimentation. Figure 14 is informative and is used in connection with the following formulas, used to determine the grip strength of the device 10 and the stress on various components.

Assume that the hitch tension is divided into three regions:

T1 → T2 (region 1),

T2 → T3 (region 2), and

T3 → T4 (region 3);

it is known that T1 = resistance to breakage of the flat, flexible tension element, and that T4 = 0, since if T4> 0, the tension element will slide in the termination device.

For example, suppose that:

Region 1: T1 = 30,000 N = tensile strength of the tension element, μ = 0.25 = friction coefficient, N1 = normal plate force = 12,320 N (8 bolts x 1540 N),

for region 1 (with reference to figure 14), F1 = μN1 F1 = μ (N1) · 2 plates F1 = 0.25 (12,320) · 2 plates F1 = 6,160 N, and T2 = T1 - F1, so T2 = (30,000 - 6,160) = 23,840 N

Region 2: Traction theory is known to:

TT

2μθ2

= e, or T3 = μθ, T3 e

23,84023,840

T3 = =,

! ∀

(0.25) (Π

e 2,291

T3 = 10.405 N

Region 3: From the previous calculations, T3 = 10,405 N

and T4 must be = <0 (values greater than zero indicate a slip of the tension element). Plate

Cut side has 14 x 1540 N fasteners (52 studs are only available on the cut side plate). Assume that N2> N1 = 21,560 N, and then calculate for slip T4 = T3 - F2, and F2 = μ (N2) · 2 plates, F2 = 0.25 (21,560) · 2, F2 = 10,780 N

Criteria: If F2 ≥ T3, the design is adequate and the tension element will not slip. F2> T3? (Yes)

10,780 N> 10,405 N, so the design is adequate. Pressure on a urethane tension element: Example 1:

The tension element is 125 mm long and 30 mm wide.

N11000 N

Pressure = =,

At 30 mm125 mm

= 2,933 MPa = 425 psi In this example, the pressure is beyond what is taught by the invention. Example 2: The tension element plates are 190 mm long and 30 mm wide. Loading side

N12320 N

Pressure = = = 2.16 MPa = 313 psi (load)

At 30,190

Cut side

21560 N

= 3.78 MPa = 548 psi (cut)

30,190

In this example, the pressure exerted on the tension element is acceptable for both sides of the termination device. Therefore, the plates are long enough. Bolt torque calculations (only for the first example): Example 1 - 125 mm plates with 8 bolts.

Load per bolt: N1 = N2 = 11,000 N

11,000

Load per bolt = = 1375 N

Bolt size / threads: M8 - 8 mm unified thread. Step = 1.25. Property class 8.8 Bossard catalog table, preload torque

Preload

 Torque

17,050 N

 24 N-M Bossard Catalog

So for 1,540 N

1540 (24) = 2.17 N-M

17,050

T = 0.2 Fτd

 = 0.2 (1540) 8 = 2.5 N-M, where Fτ = 1540 N and d = 8 mm. Dimensional plate calculations:

3 16

31! ∀

Plate 1 = = 0.0005493 ”= 5.4931x10-4

(one inch strip)

5wl4 1 (0.25) 3

Δ =; I1 / 4 = = 0.001302;

384EI 12

! ∀! ∀4

5 425 1,653

Δ = = 1,302 x 10-3 in4;

384! 3x10 ∀! 0.0005493∀

Δ = 0.02507 in.

Pl3425! 1,181∀1,653

If Δ = = # 37 ∀ = 0.002866 in! 16∀

48EI 48! 5.493x10 ∀! 3x10 3

0.1875

∃145.159%

MC2 13,608

≈ = = = 24,774 psi

I 0.00054893 0.0005493

Evenly distributed load

wl2425! 1.653∀2

M max = = = 145,159

Evenly distributed load

MC∃145.159% ∃ 2.50%

≈ = -3 = 13,935 psi

I 1,302x10

With reference to Figure 15, a fork is illustrated. The fork 120 is connected to the termination assembly in Figure 2 (in exploded state). The fork is convection and will be easily recognized by a person skilled in the art. The fork 120 is used to provide a pivot point near a terminal end of the loaded tension element to shine the vibrational fatigue therein. The fork 120 is connected to the plug 30 by a pin 122 that extends through the receptacle 58.

Referring now to Figures 16 to 18, an optional device 130 for use with the termination device 10 is illustrated. The purpose of the device 130 is to lock with the termination device 10 in the unlikely event of the slipping of the tension element through the device 10. The device 130 is fixed to the cut end of the tension element somewhere beyond the region T4, as discussed above. When coupled with the tension element, the device 130 cannot move on it. Therefore, if the tension element slips, it would drag the device 130 into contact with the cut-out side plate 96 and the side 36 of the plug 30 and lock there, avoiding further slippage.

The device 130 comprises a female part 132 (figure 17) and a male part 150 (figure 18). The female part 132 has a groove 134 of tension element, approximately the thickness of the tension element, which is intersected by folding grooves 136 and 138. Drill holes 140 are provided for passage through fasteners 142. The male part 150 provides ridges 152 and 154 for deformation of the tension element that are intended to extend into slots 136 and 138, respectively, when assembling the device 138. Part 150 further includes holes 156 that are coaxial with holes 140, when device 10 is assembled, to facilitate passage through assembly bolts 142.

In use, a cut end of a tension element, that is, the end that is not being used to support the elevator, is inserted into slot 134 and part 150 is put in place. When bolts 142 are tightened, ridges 152 and 154 force the tension element to follow a winding path around the ridges and into the grooves 136 and 138. This prevents the tension element from moving in relation to the device 130, and if the device 130 moves to come into contact with the device 10 due to the slipping of the tension element, the slipping will stop.

A main feature of the present invention is how flat the cables are used in the lifting system described above. The increase in the form factor results in a cable having a coupling surface, defined by the dimension "w" in width, which is optimized to distribute the pressure on the cable. Therefore, the maximum pressure on the cable is minimized within the cable. Furthermore, by increasing the form factor in relation to a round cable, which has a form factor equal to one, the thickness "t1" of the flat cable (see Figure 19) can be reduced while maintaining an area of the cross section of the parts of the cable that support the tension load on the cable.

As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the flat cables 722 include a plurality of individual charging cords 726 enclosed in a common coating layer 728. The coating layer 728 separates the individual strands 726 and defines a coupling surface 730 to engage the traction sheave 724. Charging cords 726 can be formed from a lightweight, high strength non-metallic material, such as aramid fiber, or they can be formed from a metallic material, such as thin hard steel fiber. It is desirable to keep the thickness "d" of the cords 726 as small as possible in order to maximize flexibility and minimize the stress on the cords 726. In addition, for cords formed from steel fibers, the fiber diameters should be less than 0.25 millimeters in diameter and preferably in the range of about 0.10 millimeters to 0.20 millimeters in diameter. Steel fibers that have such diameter improve the flexibility of the cords and cable. By incorporating flat cord cables that

they have the characteristics of weight, strength, durability and, in particular, flexibility of such materials, the diameter "D" of the traction sheave can be reduced while maintaining maximum pressure on the cable within acceptable limits.

The coupling surface 730 is in contact with a corresponding surface 750 of the traction sheave 724. The coating layer 728 is formed from a polyurethane material, preferably a thermoplastic urethane, which is extruded over and through the plurality of cords 726 so that each of the individual cords 726 is restricted against longitudinal movement in relation to with the other cords

726. Other materials for the coating layer can also be used if they are sufficient to satisfy the required functions of the coating layer: traction, wear, transmission of tensile loads to the cords and resistance to environmental factors. It should be understood that although other materials may be used for the coating layer, if they do not meet or exceed the mechanical properties of a thermoplastic urethane, then the benefits resulting from the use of flat cables can be reduced. With the mechanical properties of the thermoplastic urethane, the diameter of the traction sheave 724 is reducible to 100 millimeters or less.

Following the configuration of the flat cable 722, the pressure on the cable can be distributed more evenly along the cable 722. Due to the incorporation of a plurality of small cords 726 in the elastomeric coating layer 728 of the flat cable , the pressure on each cord 726 is significantly reduced with respect to prior art cables. The pressure on the cable is reduced at least as much as n-1/2, where n is the number of parallel cords in the flat cable, for a given load and cross-section of wire. Therefore, the maximum pressure on the cable in the flat cable is significantly reduced compared to a conventional cable lifter that has a similar load capacity. In addition, the effective cable diameter "d" (measured in the bending direction) is reduced for the equivalent load capacity, and smaller values can be obtained for the pulley diameter "D" without a reduction in the D / d ratio . In addition, minimizing the diameter D of the pulley allows the use of less expensive and more compact high speed motors as a driving machine.

Also shown in Figure 19 is a traction sheave 724 having a traction surface 750 configured to receive the flat cable 722. The coupling surface 750 is further shaped to provide traction and guide the coupling between the flat cables 722 and the pulley 724. The traction pulley 724 includes a pair of wheels 744 arranged on opposite sides of the pulley 724 and one or more spacers 745 arranged between adjacent flat cables. The traction sheave 724 also includes sheaths 742 housed within the spaces between the tires 744 and the spacers 745. The sheaths 742 define the coupling surface 750 so that there are lateral strokes 754 between the sides of the flat cables 722 and the sheaths 742. The pair of rims 744 and spacers, in conjunction with the sheaths, perform the function of guiding flat cables 722 to avoid serious alignment problems in the case of non-tense cable conditions, etc. Although they are shown as if they include coverings, it should be noted that a traction sheave without coatings can be used.

.

Claims (9)

1. A tension member termination device (10) for an elevator system comprising: 5 a plug (30) that has a bulbous end and characterized in that: said plug (30) further comprises a load surface channel (38) and a cut surface channel (40), said bulbous end and said channels (38, 40) defining a tension member path around them; 10 a load side plate (80) that can be attached to said plug (30) to apply a normal pressure to a load side of one end of a tension member between said load surface channel (38) and said plug (30) and said load side plate (80); 15 a cut-side plate (96) that can be attached to said plug (30) to apply normal pressure to a cut side of said end of said tension member between said cut-surface channel (40) of said plug (30 ) and said cut-side plate (96), wherein a surface of said path has a texture to increase the coefficient of friction thereof. A termination as claimed in claim 1, wherein said channels (38, 40) and said bulbous end have texture. 3. A tension member termination as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said Side plates (80) both include a textured surface for contacting said tension member.

Four.

A tension member termination device for an elevator system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said textured surface or surfaces are or are sandblasted.

5.

A tension member termination device for an elevator system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said load side plate (80) and said cut side plate (96) are fixed to said plug (30) by a plurality of fasteners (100) common to both plates.

A tension member termination device for an elevator system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said plug (30) further includes studs (52) extending from said plug (30) in one direction until intersect said cut side plate (96) making it possible for a compression load to be exerted on said cut side plate (96) larger 40 than said load side plate (80). 7. A tension member termination device for an elevator system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said plug (30) further includes a pivot pin receiver (58) in said bulbous section (62). 8. An elevator system having an elevator cabin (14), a machine (20), a counterweight (16) and a flexible flat tension member (22) extending between said counterweight (16) and said elevator cabin (14), said tension member being terminated in at least one of said cabin and said counterweight by means of a termination device (10) as claimed in any claim 50, in which said channels (40) are formed in a relatively narrow section of said plug (30), and said plug (30) further defining a fastener section for the passage of fasteners (100); said loading side plate (80) extending along said relatively narrow section of said plug on a loading side thereof; Y said cut side plate (86) extending along said relatively narrow section of said plug (30) on a cut side thereof. A lifting system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said flexible flat tension member (22) is located between said load side plate (80) and said plug (30), extends around said bulbous section in contact therewith and between said cut side plate (96) and said plug (30).

10.

An elevator system as claimed in claim 8 or 9, comprising a termination as claimed in claim 6, wherein said load side plate (96) compresses said tension member (22) to about 2 MPa.

eleven.

An elevator system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said cut-side plate (96) compresses said tension member (22) to about 5 MPa.