DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0017] FIG. 1 shows an operating handle 1 for devices. In particular, the operating handle can be used for wiping devices, mops, brooms, or the like. In this context, the operating handle 1 has a plurality of tubular handle elements 2, 2′ which are able to be joined to one another. At the upper end, the operating handle 1 has a grip 3, which is arranged at one end of the first handle element 2, and which terminates the first handle element 2 in an upward direction. Although not illustrated, identically formed handle elements can be added at the lower end of the second handle element 2′. In this way, it is possible to produce a comparatively long total length of the operating handle 1 using relatively short handle elements 2, 2′. This is particularly advantageous when the operating handle 1 is to be packaged in relatively small packaging.

[0018] For connecting the first handle element 2 and the second handle element 2′, a first connecting link 4 is provided. A comparable and identically formed second connecting link 4′ is located at the lower end of the second handle element 2′. The operating handle 1 can be connected at its lower end to cleaning devices, e.g., wiping devices, mops, brooms, or the like by the second connecting link.

[0019] FIGS. 2 through 4 illustrate how the tubular handle elements 2, 2′ are connected via the connecting links 4, 4′ in more detail. The first connecting link 4 is designed so that it can extend at least partially into a hollow space 5 formed by handle elements 2, 2′. The first connecting link 4 has a first connecting segment 6 and a second connecting segment 7. The first connecting segment 6 is designed to connect to the first handle element 2, and the second connecting segment 7 is designed to connect to the second handle element 2′. In the specific embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, both first connecting segment 6 and second connecting segment 7 have a screw-in thread that can be forced into engagement with connecting agents arranged on the first and/or second handle element. Furthermore, the first and second connecting segments 6, 7 have supporting surfaces 9, 9′, which are arranged and designed in such a way that they can abut against the inner surface of the first handle element 2 and the second handle element 2′, respectively. In this context, the exterior form of the supporting surfaces 9, 9′ is adjusted in size and shape to the inner contact surface 10 of the first and second handle elements 2, 2′, which is indicated with a dashed line. Furthermore, in the region of the supporting surfaces 9, 9′, screw-in threads 11 and 11′ are provided. Preferably, in this context, the screw-in threads 11, 11′ only take up a relatively small part of the supporting surfaces 9, 9′. In particular, it is advantageous if the screw-in threads 11, 11′ take up less than 40%, or especially less than 20%, of the supporting surfaces 9, 9′.

[0020] In the specific embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the screw-in threads 11, 11′ are provided with a radius at the thread base and are adapted to the connecting agents 8 of the handle elements 2, 2′ in such a way that the handle elements 2, 2′ and connecting links 4, 4′ can be screwed together by hand.

[0021] The connecting agents 8 are designed as at least one projection that protrudes into the hollow space 5 of the handle element 2. In the specific embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, four projections are provided. However, an exceedingly effective connection between the handle element 2 and the connecting link 4 can be achieved with just two projections. In this context, the projections 8 are arranged on an imaginary, spiral connecting line, their thread pitch corresponding to the thread pitch of the screw-in threads 11, 11′.

[0022] In accordance with the present exemplary embodiment, the tubular handle elements 2, 2′ are made of metal, in particular of steel. Any suitable material may be used, however. The projections 8 are created through point-by-point deformations of the handle elements 2, 2′. This can be carried out particularly inexpensively by creating prick-punched points or stamped points on the outside of the handle elements 2, 2′.

[0023] In the region between the first connecting segment 6 and the second connecting segment 7, a circumferential flange that projects beyond the supporting surfaces 9, 9′ from the first and second connecting segments 6, 7 is provided at the connecting link 4. The height of the flange is designed in such a way that it corresponds to at least the material strength of the tubular handle elements 2, 2′, thereby resulting in a continuous outer surface when the operating handle 1 is assembled.

[0024] The connecting segments 6, 7 are essentially cylindrical on the outside and are hollow on the inside. The connecting links 4 are made of plastic, particularly of polyamide.

[0025] Alternatively to the representation in FIG. 4, it is also possible for the connecting link 4 to have only one thread in the region of the first connecting segment 6, and for the supporting surface 9′ to be formed as a continuous, cylindrical surface in the region of the second connecting segment 7. The second connecting segment 7 and the second handle element 2′ are then reliably and durably connected by first inserting the second connecting segment 7 into the interior of the handle elements 2, 2′ and by subsequently deforming the tubular material, thereby reliably joining the connecting link 4 and the handle element 2. These deformations can have a design similar to that of the connecting agents 8 and can also be produced by prick-punched points or comparable deformations of the rod material.