Abstract: An elevator has a car, a balance weight, a traction sheave, a driving unit, deflector sheaves and main ropes. The balance weight moves in a back region. The traction sheave has a rotational plane disposed in parallel with a back wall in the back region of the uppermost portion of the elevator shaft. The deflector sheaves have rotational planes disposed in parallel with a lateral inner wall of the elevator shaft in a side region. The driving unit is installed on the rotation center line of the traction sheave, and at least a part of the driving unit is disposed in the side region. The direction of the winding plane of the plurality of main ropes is changed between the traction sheave and the deflector sheave.