To minimize a hoistway and to achieve the potential merits resulting from it.

The hoistway 1 is generally provided with a sufficient width to make both of a cage 2 and a balance weight 3 movable. This predetermined dimension is kept only at a part where the cage 2 and the balance weight 3 simultaneously occupy the same space, and the dimensions of remaining parts 4, 5 of the hoistway can be reduced.