HK1163643B - Elevator system and installation method - Google Patents

Description

Elevator system and installation method

Background

Elevators (or hoists) transport passengers, cargo, or both, for example, between different heights (or levels) within a building. There are different mechanisms for moving the elevator car within the hoistway. Traction-based elevator systems employ roping arrangements to suspend the elevator car and move the car as needed. Most traction-based systems include counterweights.

Traditionally, traction-based elevator systems include a machine room in which an elevator machine, drive and control components are positioned. For example, a separate structural room would be positioned above the hoistway on the roof of the building. The machine room provides access to the motor, brake, drive and controller components for, for example, maintenance and servicing operations.

The current trend in elevator systems is to eliminate the machine room and provide elevator systems without a machine room. Eliminating the machine room provides the advantage of reducing the construction costs otherwise associated with providing, for example, a separate machine room. While having advantages associated with eliminating the need for a machine room, several challenges are introduced.

For example, strategic placement of elevator components requires the provision of an appropriate machine support that also supports the load of the elevator system. At the same time, it is desirable to reduce the cost and minimize the complexity of the installation process. Another problem with machine roomless elevator systems is that a technician or mechanic may need to access the hoistway in order to perform a maintenance or service procedure (or operation). It is desirable to limit the amount of time that personnel are within the hoistway to perform these procedures.

Various proposals have been made for supporting elevator system components within a hoistway for a machineroom-less configuration. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,446,762, EP1,266,859, WO99/43596 and EP1,329,411 show some examples. Those skilled in the art are constantly striving to improve upon several aspects, such as simplifying the installation process, reducing costs associated with elevator system components and installation, and reducing the burden on maintenance personnel performing maintenance and service procedures.

Disclosure of Invention

An example mounting apparatus for an elevator machine includes a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to each other between a shipping position and a deployed position in which the first and second portions are substantially perpendicular to each other.

An example pre-assembly kit for subsequent use in an elevator system includes a mounting device for an elevator system component, the mounting device including a first portion configured to receive a machine and a second portion configured to receive control electronics to operate the elevator machine. The wiring extends between the first portion and the second portion to connect the machine to the control electronics.

An exemplary method of installing a component in an elevator system includes positioning an elevator machine support adjacent a hoistway. The elevator machine support has a first portion and a second portion in a first orientation in which the first portion and the second portion are substantially parallel to each other. At least the first portion is raised to cause relative movement between the first and second portions into a second orientation in which the first and second portions are no longer parallel to each other. The elevator machine support is raised to a height corresponding to the installation location and secured in the installation location.

The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.

Drawings

Figure 1 diagrammatically illustrates selected portions of an elevator system including a machine support designed according to an embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates selected features of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in another perspective.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating selected features of the example of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates selected portions of an exemplary machine support.

Fig. 5 diagrammatically illustrates selected portions of another example apparatus of an elevator system.

Fig. 6 diagrammatically illustrates selected portions of another example apparatus of an elevator system.

FIG. 7 diagrammatically illustrates selected features of the example of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 diagrammatically illustrates an exemplary machine support having support members in a first orientation.

FIG. 9 diagrammatically shows an example of a machine support member having the second orientation of FIG. 8.

Fig. 10A to 10D diagrammatically show an exemplary installation program.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1-3 illustrate selected portions of an exemplary elevator system 20. An elevator car 22 moves within a hoistway 24 to provide desired elevator service. The elevator machine support 30 includes a first portion 32 and a second portion 34. An elevator machine 35 (e.g., a motor 36 and brake 37) and an associated traction sheave 38 are mounted on the machine support 30. In the example shown, the traction sheave 38 is part of the shaft of the motor 36. In other examples, the pulley 38 is a separate component associated with the motor shaft.

In the example shown, the first portion 32 of the machine support 30 is at least partially within the hoistway 24 and is horizontally aligned (e.g., substantially parallel to the floor of the elevator car 22). The second portion 34 is substantially perpendicular to the first portion 32. In this example, the second portion 34 is positioned at least partially outside of the hoistway 24. The second portion 34 extends below the first portion 32 to transfer a portion of the load of the machine support 30 to the building structure outside of the hoistway 24.

The first portion 32 supports diverting (or deflecting) pulleys 40 and 42 and a plurality of roping terminations 44. The second portion 34 supports a housing 48 for housing elevator system components (e.g., electronic components 46 such as drives for controlling operation of the machine 35 and overall operation of the controller of the car 22). In this example, the housing 48 is positioned within the enclosure of the second portion 34. In one example, the housing 48 comprises a structurally rigid material that cooperates with the structure (e.g., metal beam) of the second portion 34 such that the housing 48 at least partially carries the partial load supported by the second portion 34.

In this example, the second portion 34 has one end 50 that rests on a horizontally oriented support surface 52. In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, the surface 52 conforms to the floor at the platform. In this example, the support surface 52 is located at the highest landing of the hoistway 24 serviced by the elevator car 22.

The support surface 52 may be spaced from the platform floor. One example includes a cut-out portion of the wall (e.g., removing a portion of the wall) that includes a horizontal surface on which the end 50 is received. Another example includes a beam having a horizontally oriented surface parallel to the floor at the selected platform. The beam is supported by the building structure so that loads on the beam are transferred to the associated building structure. In each case, the bearing surface 52 is vertically lower than the horizontally oriented first portion 32.

Supporting the end 50 in this manner can be used to reduce the amount of load that must be supported within the hoistway 24. The described examples facilitate transferring at least a portion of the load to the building structure outside of the hoistway.

The exemplary arrangement of the machine support 30 provides that a majority of the load of the machine 35 and elevator system will be supported by the second portion 34 and transferred to the support surface 52 of the corresponding building. In this example, the load of the remainder of the machine support 30 and the associated elevator system is supported by the first portion 32 and structural members located at least partially in the hoistway 24. In this example, the first portion 32 has an end opposite the second portion 34 that is directly supported by the car guide rail (or guide track) 54 so that the portion of the total load that is not directly supported by the second portion 34 and the support surface 52 is supported by the first portion 32 and the car guide rail 54.

In the example shown, one end of the first portion 32 is supported by the second portion 34, while the opposite end is supported by a structural member (i.e., a guide rail 54 in this example) that is at least partially positioned in the hoistway. Supporting the ends of first portion 32 in this manner does not require the outer edges of first portion 32 to be aligned with corresponding support structures. In other words, the second portion 34 may be positioned at a location between the center of the first portion 32 and the corresponding end of the first portion 32. Similarly, a structural member providing support to first portion 32 near the other end may engage first portion 32 at a location between the center of first portion 32 and the corresponding end of first portion 32.

In the example shown, the second portion 34 extends outwardly from the front wall defining the hoistway 24 so that elevator installation has as little impact as possible on the construction or renovation of the building. Other arrangements are possible if such effects are not taken into account. For example, the front wall may have a recess facing the platform or an opening to the hoistway, with the second portion positioned in the recess or opening.

The exemplary machine support 30 distributes the load supported by the support between a first portion 32 and a second portion 34. In one example, approximately 40% of the total load is carried by the second portion 34 so that it is transferred to and supported by the building structure associated with the floor 52. Resting the end 50 of the second portion 34 on a floor 52 (e.g., a concrete slab or structural steel member supported as part of the floor 52 and associated building) reduces the amount of load that must be supported within the hoistway 24. In this example, approximately 60% of the load is carried by the first portion 32 and the associated car guide rail 54. The amount of load supported by each section may vary depending on elevator function and hoistway size.

The illustrated example allows for the majority of the load of the elevator system to be supported on one side of the elevator car 22 in a convenient and economical arrangement that minimizes the space required for the elevator system within the hoistway 24 and introduces other economies related to elevator system installation and maintenance.

As can be appreciated from fig. 2, another guide rail 56 is provided for guiding movement of the car 22. Counterweight guide rails 58 are also provided for facilitating movement of a counterweight 60, which counterweight 60 is associated with the elevator car 22 using a roping arrangement 62. In one example, the roping arrangement 62 comprises a plurality of flat belts. Another example includes a round cable.

In this example, the roping arrangement 62 has one end supported by the terminal end 44, and the terminal end 44 is supported on the first portion 32 of the machine support 30. Roping arrangement 62 extends along a path from terminal end 44 around a diverting pulley 64 supported for movement with counterweight 60 and up to diverting pulley 42 supported on first portion 32. Roping arrangement 62 then extends around traction sheave 38, over diverting pulley 40, and down to a diverting pulley 65 supported for movement with elevator car 22. The roping arrangement 62 then extends upwardly to a termination 66, in this example, the termination 66 is supported on a bracket 68, and the bracket 68 is secured to the car guide rails 56 on the opposite side of the car 22 from the machine support 30.

The example shown includes a hoisting device having a diverting pulley 65 located below the floor surface of the elevator car 22. Hoisting means are also possible. Further, while a 2: 1 roping ratio is shown, 1: 1 or other roping arrangements may be used.

In the example shown, the configuration of the roping arrangement 62 results in a horizontal force on the traction sheave 38 and the machine 35 (i.e., toward the right in fig. 3). Thus, in this example, the machine 35 is mounted to a mounting plate 70 of the first portion 32 and secured in place using fasteners 72.

With this arrangement, the entire load of the elevator system is supported by the machine support 30, the building structure associated with the support surface 52, and the car guide rails 54 and 56. The weight of the elevator system need not be supported by the counterweight guide rails 58. This allows for the use of less expensive, lighter weight materials for the counterweight guide rails 58. In this example, the movement of the counterweight 60 is the only problem addressed by the counterweight guide rails 58. Thus, additional cost savings are possible by using lighter weight materials or different geometric configurations for the guide rails 58 associated with the counterweight 60. Another feature of the illustrated example is that the counterweight 60 can be conveniently positioned between the car guide rails 54 and the front interior wall of the hoistway 24 to save space.

Although the example in the figures shows the counterweight rail 58 not receiving any vertical load from the machine support 30, the elevator system 20 can be designed such that the counterweight rail 58 receives a portion of the vertical load from the machine support 30, if desired.

One feature of this example is that the machine 35 is supported in a position where a mechanic or technician can access the motor or brake components of the machine 35 without having to enter the hoistway 24. In this example, the machine 35 is accessible from a platform at the floor 52. Similarly, the control electronics 46 are fully accessible at the platform floor 52. One example includes using a decorative fascia (not shown) to cover over the second portion 34, the housing 48, and the opening accessible to the machine 35 so that personnel in the vicinity of the elevator are unaware of the presence of these components. A mechanic or technician has quick and convenient access to all of the operative components associated with work machine 35 from platform floor 52. For example, the brake release lever may be manually manipulated by a person at floor level 52 to release the elevator brake if desired. One feature associated with this arrangement is that it eliminates the need for an electronic brake release or a remote brake release. This saves cost by reducing the complexity and number of components required for the brake and enhances the economics associated with the operation and maintenance of the elevator system.

In the example of fig. 1-3, the first portion 32 is supported near one end by the second portion 34 and near the opposite end by the car guide rail 54. In the example of fig. 4, the first portion 32 includes an eye bolt 74 which is securable to a hanger suspended from a structural member of an associated building. This allows for support of the first portion 32 by effectively suspending a portion of the first portion 32 from the building structural member positioned above the machine support 30. With this arrangement, there is no need to support the first portion 32 on the car guide rails 54. Such arrangements may allow for a reduction in costs associated with the car guide rails as they do not need to support as much load as is required, for example, in the examples of fig. 1-3.

The example of fig. 4 includes a mounting bracket 76 associated with first portion 32 near one end of first portion 32. In this example, the mounting bracket 76 allows the first portion 32 to be secured in a desired position with respect to the side wall of the hoistway 24. The mounting bracket 76 need not be a load-bearing mounting bracket, but in some examples the mounting bracket is operable to transfer some load to the hoistway wall. A contemplated feature of the mounting bracket 76 is to secure the machine support 30 in a desired position with respect to the hoistway wall to provide accurate positioning of the elevator system components.

The example of fig. 4 also includes a mounting bracket 78, which mounting bracket 78 may be used to secure the upper end of the counterweight guide rail 58 in a desired position within the hoistway 24.

In this example, the first portion 32 includes side beams 132 and 134. A plurality of plates 136, 138 span the space between the side beams 132 and 134. Generally U-shaped brackets 140 and 142 are secured near the ends of side beams 132 and 134. In this example, all of the components comprise metal and are welded together.

One additional feature of the example shown in FIG. 4 is that the adjuster mechanism 80 is supported by the first portion 32 of the machine support 30. In the examples of fig. 1 to 3, it is also possible to support the regulator device 80 on the first portion 32, but the regulator device 80 is not explicitly shown in these figures, nor is it required to be in this position in any of the examples described. In some examples, the governor device is pre-installed on the first portion 32 before the machine support 30 is installed in the hoistway 24.

In the examples of fig. 1-3 and 4, the axis of rotation of the traction sheave 38 is oriented parallel to the front wall of the hoistway 24 (i.e., the wall defining the front face of the hoistway). The motor 36 including the motor shaft and the brake 37 extend along the same wall. As can be appreciated from fig. 3 and 7, at least a portion of the machine 35 is within the boundaries of the wall.

The example of fig. 5 includes a machine 35 supported on the first portion 32 such that the axis of rotation of the traction sheave 38 is parallel to the side wall of the hoistway. The motor 36 including the motor shaft and the brake 37 extend along the same wall. As can be appreciated from fig. 3 and 7, at least a portion of the machine 35 is within the boundaries of the wall. For the embodiment of fig. 5, the path followed by the roping arrangement 62 will be altered from that of the example of fig. 1-3. Given these descriptions, those of ordinary skill in the art will be able to provide suitable roping arrangements to meet their needs for a particular elevator system.

In the example of fig. 1-5, for example, as can be appreciated from fig. 1, the first portion 32 of the machine support 30 is positioned on one side of the hoistway 24. In other words, in the example of fig. 1-5, the first portion 32 of the machine support 30 is disposed on the top portion of the hoistway 24 in the space between the side walls 25 defining the hoistway 24 and the space required for the elevator car 24 to follow its path along the rails 54, 56. The first portion 32 may be in an overhead extension of the space required for the car 22.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates another arrangement in which the first portion 32 is centered over an opening 92 for a car door of the elevator car 22 and is in an overhead extension of the space required by the elevator car 24 on its way along the rails 54, 56. In this example, second portion 34 includes some support elements on one side of elevator door opening 92 at the floor 52 landing, as well as other support elements on the opposite side of the door opening. In the example of fig. 6, the cross beam 90 is positioned above the elevator car door opening 92. The first portion 32 is supported on a cross beam 90 at one end near the machine 35. In this example, the opposite end of the first portion 32 is supported by the building structure along the rear wall defining the hoistway 24. In another example, the first portion 32 is suspended from overhead structural components above the machine support 30 such that loads carried by the machine support 30 are transferred to the building structure, including transferring a majority (e.g., 40%) of the loads to the support surface 52 and associated building structure (e.g., a floor surface or at least one structural component vertically below the first portion 32).

Fig. 7 schematically shows a side view of the example in fig. 6. In this example, the counterweight 60 is positioned behind the elevator car 22, rather than on its side as in the example of fig. 1-3. The elevator car 22 comprises a diverting pulley 65 on top of the car 22 instead of having a drop-down arrangement as in the example of fig. 1-3. Although this example shows a hoist arrangement in the figures, other arrangements are possible for this example. For example, the roping arrangement 62 can terminate on the top of the car 22.

Another feature of the example of fig. 6 and 7 is that the machine support 30 need not be supported on any of the guide rails for the elevator car 22 or counterweight 60. Instead, the first portion 32 of the machine support 30 is supported by the rear wall 27 defining the hoistway 24 using a suitable mounting device or a cutout in the rear wall. Although described with this example, all other described examples can mount the first portion 32 to the rear wall 27 (or side wall 25) defining the hoistway 24. In each case, the corresponding wall is considered to be at least partially within the hoistway 24. Thus, all of the guide rails 54, 56, and 58 can be made of a lightweight material and do not have the same structural constraints on them as compared to an elevator system in which the guide rails support vertical loads. In the example of fig. 7, the terminal end for the roping arrangement 62 is supported entirely by the first portion 32 of the machine support 30. Lighter weight materials can be used for the guide rails, for example, to save costs.

Thus, it is possible to secure the rails in place at fewer locations along the height of the hoistway 24 in situations where the guide rails in the elevator system are not required to support vertical loads. This saves material since fewer mounting brackets are required for the guide rail. Furthermore, the installation time required for installing the rails is also reduced.

The first and second portions 32, 34 of the machine support 30 may be attached together using any suitable method. For example, first portion 32 and second portion 34 may be permanently attached together. In these examples, the first portion 32 and the second portion 34 may be welded together (before or after installation in the hoistway 24). In other examples, first portion 32 and second portion 34 are removably mounted together. In these examples, the person may manually secure the two portions relative to each other in a desired orientation (e.g., perpendicular), for example, using fasteners at any desired point, such as after the machine support 30 is still positioned near the lowest landing of the hoistway 24, or after positioning the first and second portions 32, 34 in their final installed positions relative to the hoistway.

Fig. 8 diagrammatically shows an exemplary arrangement in which the first and second portions 32, 34 are pivotally secured together so that one portion can pivot relative to the other. In the example of fig. 8, the relative pivotal movement of the first and second portions 32, 34 occurs about a pivot axis 100. For example, first portion 32 and second portion 34 may be selectively movable relative to one another from a first orientation, as shown in FIG. 9, in which the two portions are substantially parallel to one another, to a second orientation, as shown in FIG. 8, in which the two portions are substantially perpendicular to one another. The first orientation may be the configuration of the machine support 30 when the pre-assembled kit is shipped to the installation site. The second orientation may be in the form of the machine support when finally installed in the hoistway 24.

As best appreciated from fig. 9, the rod 102 extends through openings in a flange 104 associated with the first portion 32 and a flange 106 associated with the second portion 34. In this example, the centre line of the lever 102 coincides with the pivot axis 100 about which the two parts are moveable relative to each other.

One feature of this example is that the machine support 30 with all pre-installed components (such as control electronics 46, machine 36, terminals 44, and regulators 80) and with all pre-connected and pre-wired components can be transported to the installation site in the configuration shown in fig. 9. During an exemplary installation procedure, first portion 32 and second portion 34 are manipulated relative to one another such that they pivot about pivot axis 100 and ultimately move to the orientation shown in fig. 8. This example includes fasteners 110, which fasteners 110 are received through openings 112 in the second portion 34 and corresponding openings 114 in the first portion 32. In one example, the fastener may include a nut and a bolt. The fastener 110, when properly installed in the elevator system, secures the two portions relative to each other in a desired orientation.

One feature of having multiple components pre-mounted on the machine support 30 prior to installation in the hoistway 24 is that efficiency during elevator installation is likely to be higher. As shown in fig. 8 and 9, the exemplary assembly includes a wire 84 extending between various components supported on the first and second portions 32, 34. This allows the control electronics 46 and machine 35 to be pre-wired and pre-connected with those components on the machine support 30 in their desired positions, for example, prior to installation in a hoistway. In addition, other components may also be pre-connected and pre-wired. For example, the regulator device 80 may also be mounted to the machine support and pre-wired to the control electronics 46 by wiring 84. The pre-wiring and pre-connection of the components may be done at the factory (allowing for testing of the various components and connections prior to shipment to the installation site) or, if desired, in any downstream step prior to the machine support 30 being installed at its final location at the top of the hoistway 24. Making all of the required connections between the various electronic components, switches, etc. and shipping the pre-assembled kit reduces the amount of work required to install the components in the hoistway 24 for use in the elevator system 20. This allows for a streamlined installation procedure.

In addition to components that require wiring, other components of the elevator system 20 may also be shipped to the installation location already mounted on the machine support 30. For example, the diverter pulleys 40, 42 may be pre-mounted on the machine support 30 prior to shipment. In other cases, these components may be shipped with the machine support 30, rather than pre-installed. For example, in some instances, pre-installation of the terminal 44 may not allow the machine support 30 to reach its full shipping configuration as shown in FIG. 9, in which case the terminal will not be installed until the kit reaches its intended destination. Further, the ends of the load bearing members (e.g., flat belts) that serve as the roping arrangement 62 can be disposed in the terminal 44 prior to shipment.

Fig. 10A to 10D schematically show an exemplary installation program. The pre-assembled kit arrives at the installation site. As shown in fig. 10A, the machine support 30 with the preloaded components has a first portion 32 and a second portion 34 in a first orientation in which they are substantially parallel to each other. The kit is shipped to the installation site and disposed adjacent to hoistway 24. The machine support 30 is then manipulated at least partially into the hoistway 24. In this example, a hoist 120 is connected to the eye bolt 74 to raise the machine support 30 and associated components upwardly to an installed position at the top of the hoistway.

As shown in fig. 10B, the first and second portions 32, 34 are permitted to move relative to each other, and initial lifting of the machine support 30 using the lifting device 120 causes separation therebetween such that they move out of the first orientation in which the two portions are parallel to each other. In this example, gravity helps to encourage relative movement between the portions such that the second portion 34 is spaced downwardly and away from the first portion 32 when there is movement about the pivot axis 100. In other words, at least the first portion 32 is lifted while allowing the second portion 34 to hang about the pivot axis 100 such that the two portions form an orientation in which the two portions are no longer parallel to each other.

In one example, a locking feature 130 is provided to at least temporarily lock the second portion 34 in a fixed position relative to the first portion 32 when the first and second portions 32, 34 are moved relative to one another to a generally perpendicular orientation (e.g., to cooperating projections or surfaces in abutting relationship). In some examples, the automatic locking feature maintains first portion 32 in a desired orientation relative to second portion 34 until a subsequent portion of the installation process, where fastener 110 is used to more permanently secure the two portions relative to one another in the desired installation orientation.

In other examples, a person manually secures the two portions relative to each other in a desired orientation (e.g., perpendicular) while the machine support 30 is still located near the lowest landing of the hoistway 24.

As schematically illustrated in fig. 10C, the hoist 120 is used to lift the machine support 30 and associated pre-installed components upward to an installation location near the top of the exemplary hoistway 24. At this location, a person may manually position the second portion 34 so that the end 50 rests on the floor 52 and then secure the opposite end of the first portion 32 by arranging for it to be supported on the elevator car guide rails 54 or suspended from a structural member above the eye bolt 74, depending on the particular installation configuration.

Once secured in place, much of the elevator system installation is complete because all of the required connections between the machine 36 and the control electronics 46 have been made. These control connections are also made in the example where the regulator 80 is pre-mounted to the machine support 30. In addition, the terminal end 44 is already in position relative to the machine support 30. Brackets 78 (best seen in fig. 4) facilitate easily seating the counterweight guide rails 58 in place within the hoistway 24. The diverter pulleys 40 and 42 have been desirably aligned relative to the traction sheave 38. The disclosed examples facilitate enhancing an elevator system installation process, which provides significant savings in time and material costs associated with installing an elevator system.

In one evaluation, the entire elevator within a single hoistway can be installed by four people in a day when using at least some of the features of the disclosed examples. Reducing the amount of time required for elevator system installation by as much as two-thirds in some instances provides significant cost savings.

The disclosed example provides added features such as making the machine 36 and control electronics 46 accessible from the upper floor 52 of the building without requiring personnel to enter the hoistway to perform many maintenance procedures.

The disclosed example provides added features such as making the machine 35 and any components of the elevator system in the housing 48 accessible from the upper floor 52 of the building without requiring personnel to enter the hoistway to perform many maintenance procedures.

The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that some modifications to the disclosed examples are possible, and that the features described in one example are not necessarily limited to that example and can be used in another example. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the scope of legal protection given to this invention.

Claims (21)

1. A mounting apparatus for an elevator machine, comprising:

a first portion; and

a second portion;

wherein the first and second portions are movable relative to each other between a shipping position and a deployed position, wherein in the deployed position the first and second portions are substantially perpendicular to each other, and supporting the elevator machine during operation of the elevator system.

2. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the mounting device comprises:

wiring extending between the first portion and the second portion for connecting the machine mountable to the first portion to control electronics mountable to the second portion.

3. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are hingedly interconnected.

4. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the mounting device comprises:

at least one diverter pulley supported on the first portion.

5. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the mounting device comprises:

at least one terminal for a roping arrangement of the elevator system.

6. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the mounting device comprises:

a governor device supported on the machine support.

7. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the mounting device comprises:

a plurality of rail mounting brackets supported on the first portion for positioning the guide rail in the hoistway.

8. A pre-assembly kit for subsequent use in an elevator system, comprising:

a mounting arrangement for a component of the elevator system, comprising:

a first portion configured to receive an elevator machine; and

a second portion configured to house control electronics to operate the elevator machine; and

wiring extending between the first portion and the second portion to connect the machine to the control electronics;

wherein the first and second portions are movable relative to each other between a shipping position and a deployed position in which the first and second portions are substantially perpendicular to each other.

9. The kit of claim 8, wherein the first portion and the second portion are hingedly connected to each other.

10. The kit of claim 8, wherein the kit comprises:

at least one diverter pulley supported on the first portion.

11. The kit of claim 8, wherein the kit comprises:

at least one terminal for a roping arrangement of the elevator system.

12. The kit of claim 8, wherein the kit comprises:

a governor device supported on the machine support.

13. The kit of claim 8, wherein the kit comprises:

a plurality of rail mounting brackets supported on the first portion for positioning the guide rail in the hoistway.

14. A method of installing a component in an elevator system, comprising the steps of:

positioning an elevator machine support adjacent a hoistway, the elevator machine support having a first portion and a second portion in a first orientation in which the first portion and the second portion are substantially parallel to each other;

raising at least the first portion to cause relative movement between the first and second portions into a second orientation in which the first and second portions are no longer parallel to each other;

raising the elevator machine support to a height corresponding to an installation location; and

securing the elevator machine support in the installed position.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the method comprises:

orienting the first and second portions to be substantially perpendicular to each other in the installed position.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method comprises:

locking the first portion and the second portion substantially perpendicular to each other prior to moving the elevator machine support to the installation position.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the method comprises:

moving the elevator machine support at least partially into the hoistway;

securing the first portion to a lifting mechanism; and

the step of raising at least the first portion is performed within the hoistway.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14-17, characterized in that the method comprises:

placing an end of the second portion on a floor at a landing of the elevator system such that at least a selected portion of a load of the elevator machine support is supported by the floor.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein one end of the first portion is supported by the second portion, and the method comprises:

positioning a support between one end and an opposite end of the first portion such that a remaining percentage of a weight of the elevator machine support is supported by the support.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the support comprises a rail.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the support comprises a hanger coupled to a structural member above the first portion.