Apparatus for supporting surgeon

Abstract

The device according to the invention is used to support a surgeon. The device (1) has a movable platform (3), a base column (5) projecting from the platform (3) and having a seat (7), an upper body holding device (9) and at least one actuation unit (15). The operating unit (15) is arranged in a region (B) between the seat surface of the seat (7) and the platform (3) in such a way that the operating unit (15) can be accessed by a surgeon with a foot such that the surgeon sitting on the seat (7) of the device (1) can easily access the operating unit (15) as much as possible from any position with its foot, in particular with its heel or its sole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for supporting an operator (Operateur, sometimes referred to as a surgeon), the device being designed in particular to support the operator's body during an operation, such as a surgical intervention (Eingriff, sometimes referred to as an operation). Background Art

[0002] Support systems for surgeons, such as operating chairs, are generally known and serve to support the surgeon, who is usually standing at an operating table, in such a way that the surgeon can carry out sometimes long-lasting operations in a constrained posture or operations that place particular demands on the surgeon's fine motor functions with little or no fatigue and, in the ideal case, can perform these operations reliably and with high quality.

[0003] DE 102020103861 B3 discloses a surgical chair for supporting a surgeon. The surgeon can sit on the surgical chair during surgery. The surgical chair has a seat supported by a height-adjustable column, wherein the column is erected on a joint device, the joint device stipulates two tilting axes for the column, and the joint device is associated with a locking device to lock the manually adjusted tilt position so that the column maintains the desired tilt position. The column extends from a walkable platform, and a plurality of control switches that can be operated by foot are arranged on the upper side of the platform, and the control switches can be used to lock and release the column. In addition, the platform is used for the surgeon to place his feet on the platform during surgery.

[0004] In an operating room, there is usually only limited space for an operating table and other additional appliances, such as a surgical chair. This limits the size of the operating chair and therefore also the platform of the operating chair. In particular, the size of the following area of ​​the platform is limited thereby, that is, the size of the area in which the surgeon can place his feet during surgery is limited. In addition, the operating chair should be able to move as close to the operating area as possible, so as to keep the distance between the surgeon sitting on the operating chair and the operating site as small as possible and to provide the surgeon with a surgical position that is as comfortable as possible. For example, the control switch can be designed as a foot pedal. The control switch that can be operated by foot for operating the operating chair is arranged in this limited area of ​​the platform, but as a result, the surgeon may trip over the control switch when stepping onto the platform and / or accidentally and / or erroneously operate the control switch during surgery. Summary of the invention

[0005] Starting from this, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for assisting a surgeon, which reduces the risk of tripping or the risk of inadvertent operating errors by the surgeon.

[0006] This object is achieved with a device for supporting a surgeon according to claim 1:

[0007] The device according to the invention has a platform from which an adjustable column protrudes, the column having a seat for the surgeon mounted thereon. The device also has an upper body support with a traction device, at the end of which a harness worn by the surgeon can be connected and disconnected. The device also has at least one control unit for controlling the column and / or the upper body support, which is arranged in the area between the seat surface of the chair and the platform in such a way that the control unit can be reached by the surgeon with his foot, preferably with the heel or the sole of the foot. The control unit is particularly ergonomic, since the surgeon can reach the control unit with his foot without overstretching his foot or leg.

[0008] As a result, the operating unit for controlling the base column and / or the upper body support is arranged on the platform in a space-saving manner and in particular not in the front area of ​​the platform where the surgeon can place his feet during the operation. As a result, the platform can be designed only for the surgeon's feet, thereby reducing the risk of tripping or operating errors caused by the surgeon.

[0009] The device according to the invention is characterized in particular in that the operating unit is arranged below the seat, thereby enabling particularly ergonomic and intuitive operation of the operating unit and in that the operating unit is arranged on the platform in a space-saving manner. The operating surgeon can step back from it with his foot using relatively gross motor skills in order to reach the operating unit, for example with his heel or with the sole of his foot, without having to concentrate on the operating process.

[0010] In particular, the operating unit is arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the platform, whereby the operating unit can be equipped with a large operating surface, which the surgeon can use to control the device. In this way, the surgeon can reach the operating unit with his feet without having to concentrate on the operating process. Furthermore, the necessary cleaning and / or disinfection of the device before or after the operation can be facilitated, since the platform can have a simpler design, for example by virtue of the upper side of the platform being designed as a flat surface.

[0011] The operating unit can have a plurality of, preferably at least two, individually actuatable operating elements, which the surgeon can actuate with his foot. The actuation directions of the operating elements of the operating unit are preferably oriented parallel to one another and / or parallel to the surface of the platform.

[0012] The platform can have a trapezoidal or rectangular profile. In particular, the platform can also have a T-shaped profile so that its narrow end can be moved forward under the operating table and the risk of collision with the support supporting the operating table can be reduced. The device preferably has an electrically driven travel device, which is arranged under the platform. The device can preferably be moved in at least two travel directions using the travel device.

[0013] The adjustable base column can (in the basic position) extend at least substantially perpendicularly to the platform. For example, the adjustable base column can be designed to be height-adjustable and / or swivellable laterally and / or swivellable forwards and backwards. For example, the traction means of the upper body holding device can be a belt, a strap or a (wire) rope.

[0014] The upper body holding device can have a support for the traction device, for example with an electrically driven reel (Wind, sometimes called a winch), on which the traction device can be rolled up and unrolled. In this way, by rolling up or unrolling the traction device on the reel, the length of the traction device can be changed by the upper body holding device. In this way, when the end of the traction device is connected to the strap worn by the surgeon, the tilt angle at which the surgeon's upper body is held can be adjusted by changing the length of the traction device. The surgeon's strap can be a strap for the surgeon's upper body, for which a coupling connection is arranged at the surgeon's back when the surgeon wears the strap.

[0015] In particular, the operating unit is arranged in a region extending at least substantially between the seat and the platform. The region in which the operating unit is arranged is in particular truncated pyramid-shaped with a top surface defined at the height of the seat and a bottom surface defined at the height of the platform, the center points of which are preferably arranged one above the other on a vertical line. For example, the top and bottom surfaces of a truncated pyramid (Pyramidenstumpf, sometimes called a truncated pyramid) can be designed as polygons, rectangles, squares or circles. If the seat is height-adjustable, the top surface of the region is preferably defined at the height of the lowest possible height adjustment of the seat.

[0016] The top surface of the area can be defined by a standard sitting surface, which is defined as follows, that is, the dimensions of the projection of the hips of a typical surgeon onto the standard sitting surface in any case lie within this surface. For example, the standard sitting surface can be defined as a square, wherein the width and length are at least substantially 0.4 m. If the standard sitting surface is defined as a circle, the diameter of the standard sitting surface can be at least substantially 0.4 m.

[0017] The bottom surface of the area can be defined by a standard standing surface, which is defined as follows, that is, the dimensions of the projection of a typical surgeon's shoulder onto the standard standing surface lie within this surface. For example, if the standard standing surface is defined as a rectangle, the standard standing surface can have a width of at least substantially 0.6 m and a length of at least substantially 0.4 m. If the standard standing surface is defined as a circle, the diameter of the standard standing surface can be at least substantially 0.6 m. Between the bottom surface of the truncated pyramid and the front side of the platform, there is in particular a stepping surface for the surgeon, on which the surgeon can at least partially rest his feet.

[0018] Preferably, the operating unit is configured to switch the operating mode of the upper body support device and / or the base column during operation. For example, the base column and / or the upper body support device can first be in an operating mode in which the adjustment of the base column and / or the upper body support device is locked. When the operating unit is operated, the operating unit can switch the operating mode of the base column and / or the upper body support device to an operating mode in which the length of the traction means of the base column or the upper body support device can be moved (i.e. not locked), so that the device can be adjusted by the surgeon. When operated again, the operating unit can, for example, put the operating mode of the base column and / or the upper body support device into the locked state again.

[0019] Preferably, the platform has a front side, which faces the operating area during surgery, wherein the manipulation unit is arranged facing the front side. This results in the surgeon being able to reach the manipulation unit more easily with his heel or the sole of his foot.

[0020] At least one tread surface for the surgeon's foot is provided on the upper side of the platform, in particular between the base column and the front side of the platform. For example, the tread surface can be designed to be at least partially flat. During surgery, the surgeon can place or rest his foot on the tread surface.

[0021] Preferably, the operating unit has at least one operating element with an operating surface, wherein the operating element can move between a first position and a second position and is elastically held in the first position. The operating surface can be designed to be at least partially flat and / or at least partially concave. The operating direction (in which the operating element can move from the first position to the second position) is preferably at least substantially horizontal. In particular, the operating unit defines an operating swing axis, around which the operating element can swing in order to operate the operating unit, wherein the operating swing axis extends at least substantially parallel to the surface of the platform. The operating swing axis is preferably arranged below the surface of the platform, whereby the operating unit is triggered independently of the height at the operating element, i.e., at this height, the surgeon touches or bumps the operating element with his foot when retreating. The first position of the operating element is preferably arranged closer to the tread surface than the second position of the operating element.

[0022] Preferably, the actuation unit is designed to send a switching signal to a control device of the base column and / or of the upper body support device when the actuation element is in the second position.

[0023] In particular, the operating surface of the operating element is arranged at a predetermined angle relative to the tread surface. For example, the predetermined angle between the operating surface and the tread surface can be between 100° and 45°, in particular between 95° and 50°, preferably between 90° and 60°, particularly preferably at least substantially 90°. The vertical arrangement of the operating surface relative to the tread surface makes it easier for the surgeon to reach the operating unit with his foot, for example with his heel or the sole of his foot.

[0024] Preferably, the adjustable base column is designed to be at least laterally swivellable about a swivel axis. Preferably, the base column is designed to be height-adjustable.

[0025] Preferably, the operating surface of the operating unit is at least substantially rectangular. This is the simplest possible design of the operating surface. The height-to-width ratio of the operating surface is in particular greater than 2:1, preferably greater than 3:1, particularly preferably greater than 4:1. In particular, the area of ​​the operating surface is 0.06 m 2 or larger, especially 0.07m 2 Thus, the operating surface is designed to be as large as possible so that the operating surface can be touched by the surgeon as easily as possible with his foot.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, the operating unit is fastened to the base column or integrated into the base column. The base column and therefore also the operating unit are arranged in a manner that is at least substantially below the seat surface of the chair, but can still be reached by the surgeon's feet, preferably by the heel or the sole of the foot. In this way, the platform of the device can be constructed only as a vertical surface, a standing surface, for the surgeon's feet. In addition, the fixed arrangement of the operating unit at the adjustable base column and the integration of the operating unit in the adjustable base column can be advantageous because the operating unit is always fixedly arranged with respect to the adjustable base column. When the base column is adjusted relative to the platform (for example, the base column swings sideways and / or the base column swings forward or backward), the position and / or orientation of the operating unit also changes with the base column. For the surgeon, this can additionally improve the operability of the operating unit.

[0027] In this embodiment, the height above the platform in which the handling unit is arranged is in particular one third or less of the height of the truncated pyramid, preferably one quarter or less of the height of the truncated pyramid, particularly preferably one fifth or less of the height of the truncated pyramid.

[0028] The operating surface of the operating unit is arranged in particular at a predetermined distance from the platform, wherein the distance is preferably greater than 0.05 m, in particular greater than 0.10 m, particularly preferably greater than 0.15 m. This results in the operating unit being particularly easy to operate with the foot, whereby the surgeon can trigger the operating unit and at the same time maintain balance, for example even in a strongly inclined position.

[0029] In a specific embodiment, the operating unit has at least two operating elements, which are preferably arranged in the heel area of ​​the left and right legs of the operator. The at least two operating elements of the operating unit are designed to be able to be operated independently of each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Further details of the details or advantageous developments of the invention can be found in the drawings, the description and in the claims. Among them:

[0031] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device for supporting a surgeon according to the invention,

[0032] Figure 2 A perspective view showing a second embodiment of a device for supporting a surgeon according to the invention,

[0033] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of a manipulation unit according to a first embodiment,

[0034] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of a manipulation unit according to a second embodiment, and

[0035] Figure 5 A detailed view of an operating unit according to a third exemplary embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] exist Figure 1 A first embodiment of a device 1 for supporting a surgeon is described in the specification. The device 1 has a walkable platform 3, under which a travel device 2 is arranged. The travel device 2 can have at least three, for example electrically driven rollers. At least one of the three electrically driven rollers can be rotated about a vertical axis. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the travel device 2 has four electrically driven rollers, wherein Figure 1 Only two of the four rollers 4a, 4b are depicted. Figure 1 In the travel device 2 explained in , at least two of the rollers are designed to be rotatable around a vertical axis. In this way, the device 1 can travel to a desired position.

[0037] The device 1 furthermore has a base column 5 extending at least substantially vertically from the platform 3. Figure 1 The base column 5 shown in FIG. 5 is designed to be height-adjustable and lateral-swingable. The lateral swing is performed here around a lateral swing axis S, which is defined in the plane formed by the platform 3 .

[0038] From Figure 1 The device 1 also has an upper body support device 9. Figure 1 In the example shown in FIG, the upper body holding device 9 is fastened to the base column 5. Alternatively, the upper body holding device 9 can also be arranged separately on the platform 3, for example behind the base column 5. The upper body holding device 9 has a traction device Z, at the end 11 of which a strap 13 worn by the surgeon can be connected and disconnected. Figure 1 In the example shown in , the harness 13 furthermore has a back plate 12, on which suspension points for the harness 13 are arranged. The back plate 12 of the harness 13 can furthermore have a coupling connection, wherein the end 11 of the traction means Z has a coupling connection, so that the end 11 of the traction means Z can be releasably connected to the harness 13. The coupling connection of the harness 13 and the coupling connection at the end 11 of the traction means Z are preferably designed to complement each other.

[0039] exist Figure 1 The upper body holding device 9 shown in the figure forms a support for the traction device Z, to which the upper body of the surgeon can be attached. For this purpose, the upper body holding device 9 can have, for example, an electrically driven reel, with which the traction device can be rolled up and unrolled. The upper body holding device 9 is preferably arranged behind the surgeon in the device 1, so that the surgeon can lean his upper body forward, wherein the traction device holds the surgeon's upper body in a specific position. In this way, the tilt angle for the surgeon can be adjusted by controlling the length of the traction device, at which the surgeon receives support that has a holding effect.

[0040] A seat 7 is also provided on the base column 5, on which the surgeon can sit. Figure 1 In the example shown in FIG, a longitudinal beam 6 is arranged at the upper end of the base column 5, which extends from the base column 5 in the direction of the front side 19 of the platform 3. The longitudinal beam can be arranged at least substantially horizontally. A seat 7 on which the surgeon can sit is arranged at the front end of the longitudinal beam 6.

[0041] The device 1 has an operating unit 15 arranged in a region B between the seat 7 and the platform 3, which is arranged perpendicularly to the surface of the platform 3. The region B extends from the seat 7 to the platform 3 below the seat 7, wherein the region B always extends behind the treading area 17. The region B in which the operating unit 15 can be arranged is a truncated pyramid with a square top surface 30 and a rectangular bottom surface 29, whose center points M29, M30 are located one above the other on a vertical line. The top surface is defined by a standard sitting surface, and the bottom surface is defined by a standard standing surface.

[0042] exist Figure 1 In the example shown in , the operating unit 15 has two operating elements 21a and 21b. Each of the operating elements 21a and 21b has an operating surface 23a and 23b, respectively. The operating surfaces 23a and 23b are designed to be large. For example, the length of the operating surfaces 23a, 23b can correspond to at least half, one third or one quarter of the height of the area B. In this way, the surgeon sitting on the chair 7 can reach the operating surfaces 23a and 23b with his feet.

[0043] The platform 3 has a front side 19 and a back side 20, wherein the front side 19 is the side facing the operating area during the operation. The base column 5 is arranged between the front side 19 and the back side 20 of the platform 3. The base column 5 can be installed at least substantially in the center of the platform, for example. Between the front side 19 and the base column 5, a tread surface 17 is formed on the upper side of the platform 3, on which the surgeon can step when stepping onto the platform and can place his feet on the tread surface after sitting on the chair. The tread surface 17 provides the surgeon with a certain hold (halt, sometimes called support), which is required if the surgeon, for example, wants to change the height of the base column or wants to swing the base column 5 sideways.

[0044] exist Figure 1 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the operating element 21 a is associated with the right leg of the surgeon, and the operating element 21 b is associated with the left leg of the surgeon. Furthermore, further operating elements may be provided in the operating unit 15 .

[0045] The operating unit 15 is connected in communication with the control device 8. A signal line 24 connects the operating unit 15 to the control device 8. When one of the operating surfaces 23a, 23b is operated, the operating unit 15 sends a switching signal to the control device 8. The control device 8 is also connected in communication with the adjustable base column 5 and the upper body support device 9. For example, the connection between the control device 8 and the base column 5 and the upper body support device 9 can be designed individually via the signal lines 25 and 26. Alternatively, communication can also be carried out via a bus system.

[0046] exist Figure 1In the embodiment, two additional support surfaces 18a and 18b are fastened to the front side 19 of the platform 3. The additional support surfaces 18a and 18b can be used as support surfaces for possible footrests of instruments. Thus, the tread surface 17 remains free of footrests, so that there is no risk of tripping for the surgeon.

[0047] exist Figure 2 A second embodiment of the device 1 is depicted in FIG. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an operating unit 15 for controlling the base column 5 and / or the upper body support device 9 is fastened to the base column 5 or is integrated into the base column 5. Figure 2 In the device 1 shown in , the operating unit 15 is fastened to the base column 5. The operating unit 15 is arranged at a predetermined distance D relative to the platform 3. Alternatively, the operating unit 15 can also be integrated into the base column 5. The operating unit 15 is arranged in the area B between the seat 7 and the platform 3 and is fastened to the base column 5 by means of a fastening element 31. The area B extends from the seat under the seat 7 all the way to the platform 3, wherein the area B always extends behind the stepping area 17. The area B in which the operating unit 15 can be arranged is a truncated pyramid with a square top surface 30 and a rectangular bottom surface 29, the center points of which are located superimposed on a vertical line. The top surface is defined by a standard sitting surface, and the bottom surface is defined by a standard standing surface. In Figure 1 In the example shown in , the height above the platform 3 at which the manipulating unit 15 is positioned is approximately one quarter of the height of the truncated pyramid.

[0048] By fastening the operating unit 15 to the base column 5 or integrating the operating unit 15 in the base column 5, the operating unit 15 always remains in a certain defined relationship with respect to its own position for the surgeon, even in the case of large pivot angles or highly variable height adjustments of the base column 5. The surgeon can thus more easily find the operating unit with his feet without being forced to look at where the operating unit 15 is currently located.

[0049] exist Figure 3 , an example for an operating unit 15 is illustrated in cross section. In this example, the operating unit 15 is mounted on the platform 3 and is oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the platform 3. The operating elements 21a, 21b elastically held in the first position P1 are located on the side of the operating unit 15 facing the front side 19 of the platform 3.

[0050] The operating elements 21a, 21b can move from a first position P1 to a second position P2 against the spring force of a spring element 28. The spring element 28 can define the pressure with which the operating elements 21a, 21b can be operated. The spring element 28 can be, for example, a compression spring designed as nonlinear. The first position P1 of the operating elements 21a, 21b is determined by a stop surface 27 arranged in the housing 16 of the operating element 15. The operating elements 21a, 21b have operating surfaces 23a, 23b, against which the surgeon can press during operation. The operating elements 21a, 21b are provided with at least one hinge 32, which defines an operating axis X, about which the operating elements 21a, 21b can swing. In the example shown, the operating axis X is arranged at the lower end of the operating elements 21a, 21b. The operating axis X extends at least substantially parallel to the surface 33 of the platform 3. However, the hinge 32 can also be arranged at the right end, the left end or the upper end of the operating elements 21a, 21b. Figure 3 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the hinge 32 defining the manipulation axis X is arranged in a recess 34 below the surface 33 of the platform 3 and is fastened to the platform 3 . This prevents the surgeon from accidentally hitting the hinge 32 with his foot instead of the manipulation surfaces 23a, 23b, whereby the manipulation unit 15 is not triggered. Figure 3 In addition, a protective element 35 is fastened below the operating surfaces 23a, 23b on the surface 33 of the platform 3. The protective element 35 separates the operating unit 15 from the tread area 17.

[0051] exist Figure 3 In the example depicted in , the control surfaces 23a, 23b are arranged approximately orthogonally to the tread surface 17. When the control elements 21a, 21b are in the first position P1, the angle α between the tread surface 17 and the control surfaces 23a, 23b is approximately 90°.

[0052] A switch element 10 is arranged in the operating unit 15. The switch element 10 is fastened to the platform 3 by means of a positioning element 22. The switch element 10 has an operating pin 14, which abuts against the back side of the operating elements 21a, 21b. When the operating elements 21a, 21b are pushed into the second position P2, the operating pin 14 is pressed into the switch element 10. The switch element 10 is connected to the control device 8 via a signal line 24. When the operating elements 21a, 21b are in the second position P2, a switching signal is sent to the control device 8 via the switch element 10. The control device 8 is connected to the base column 5 and the upper body support device 9 via signal lines 25, 26.

[0053] with Figure 3 In contrast to what is explained in FIG. 1 , the spring element 28 can also be arranged inside the switching element 10 .

[0054] exist Figure 4Another example for a control unit 15 is depicted in cross section in FIG. Figure 3 The embodiment depicted in corresponds to the embodiment from Figure 3 , but the operating unit 15 is fastened to the base column 15 .

[0055] exist Figure 5 , another example for an operating unit 15 is depicted in cross section. In this example, the operating unit 15 is integrated into the base column 5. This means that the operating unit 15 does not have a separate housing. Instead, the operating unit 15 is accommodated in a housing 29 of the base column 5.

[0056] exist Figures 3 to 5 The features presented in can be combined.

[0057] The device according to the invention is used to support a surgeon. The device 1 has a movable platform 3, a base column 5 with a seat 7 protruding from the platform 3, an upper body support device 9 and at least one operating unit 15. The operating unit 15 is arranged in a region B between the seat surface of the seat 7 and the platform 3 in such a way that the operating unit 15 can be reached by the surgeon with his feet, so that the surgeon sitting on the seat 7 of the device 1 can reach the operating unit as easily as possible from any position with his feet, in particular with his heels or the soles of his feet. Reference Numbers List 1 device 2 Driving device 3 Platforms 4a,b,cElectrically driven rollers 5 Column 6 Stringers 7 seats 8. Control Equipment 9 Upper body holding device 10Switching elements 11 End of the traction device 12 strap back panel 13 Straps 14 Operating pin 15 Control elements 16 Housing of operating element 17 Treading surface 18a,b support surface 19Front side of platform 20The back side of the platform 21a, b operating element 22 Positioning elements 23a,b control surfaces 24 Signal lines from the operating unit to the control device 25 Signal lines from control equipment to base column 26 Signal line from control device to upper body holding device 27 Stop for operating element 28 Spring element 29 bottom 30 Top 31 Fastening elements 32 hinge 33 Platform surface 34 Grooves in the platform Area B D The distance between the control unit and the platform H The main axis of the base column P1 first position P2 Second position S Swing axis X-control swing axis Z-Pull Devices αThe angle between the control surface and the tread surface

Claims

1. A device (1) for supporting a surgeon, comprising: a platform (3) from which an adjustable base column (5) protrudes, the base column (5) having a seat (7) for the surgeon arranged thereon; and an upper body support device (9) having at least one traction device (Z), at the end (11) of which a belt (13) worn by the surgeon can be coupled and detached, in, At least one operating unit (15) for controlling the base column (5) and / or the upper body support device (9) is arranged in the area (B) between the seat surface of the chair (7) and the platform (3) in such a way that the operating unit (15) can be reached by the surgeon with his feet.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The area (B) is in the shape of a truncated pyramid, with a top surface (30) defined at the height of the seat (7) and a bottom surface (29) defined at the height of the platform (3), the center points (M29, M30) of the top surface and the bottom surface being preferably arranged overlapping on a vertical line.

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The manipulating unit (15) is arranged at least substantially perpendicularly to the platform (3).

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The platform (3) has at least one front side (19) which faces the operating area during surgery, wherein the manipulation unit (15) is arranged facing the front side (19).

5. The device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that At least one tread surface (17) for the operator's foot is arranged on the upper side of the platform (3) between the operating unit (15) and the front side (19) of the platform (3).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The operating unit (15) has at least one operating element (21a, 21b) with an operating surface (23a, 23b), which can be moved between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), wherein the operating element (21a, 21b) is elastically held in the first position.

7. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The operating unit (15) defines an operating pivot axis (X) about which the operating element (21) can be pivoted, wherein the operating pivot axis (X) extends at least substantially parallel to the surface of the platform (3).

8. The device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The maneuvering pivot axis (X) is arranged below the surface of the platform (3).

9. The device (1) according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that The first position (P1) is arranged closer to the tread surface (17) than the second position (P2).

10. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The operating unit (15) is designed to switch the operating mode of the base column (5) and / or the upper body support device (9) when operated.

11. The device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that The operating unit (15) is designed to send a switching signal to a control device (8) of the base column (5) and / or the upper body support device (9) when the operating element (21a, 21b) is in the second position (P2).

12. Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 6, characterized in that The operating surfaces (23a, 23b) of the operating element (21) are arranged at a predetermined angle (α) relative to the tread surface (17).

13. The device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 9, characterized in that The predetermined angle between the control surface (23a, 23b) and the tread surface (17) is between 100° and 45°, in particular between 95° and 50°, preferably between 90° and 60°.

14. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The base column (5) is designed to be able to swing laterally around a swing axis (S).

15. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The operating unit (15) is fastened to the base column (5) or is integrated into the base column (5).

16. Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 6, characterized in that The operating surface (23) is at least substantially rectangular in design, wherein the height-to-width ratio of the operating surface (23) is preferably greater than 2:1, preferably greater than 3:1, particularly preferably greater than 4:

1.

17. The device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 6, characterized in that The area of ​​the control surface (23) is 0.06 m 2 or larger, preferably 0.07m 2 or larger.

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