EP4267811A1

EP4267811A1 - Connection element and wall construction element for constructing a drywall

Info

Publication number: EP4267811A1
Application number: EP20845562.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marc Hagedorn; Yener Esin
Original assignee: Knauf Gips KG
Current assignee: Knauf Gips KG
Priority date: 2020-12-23
Filing date: 2020-12-23
Publication date: 2023-11-01
Also published as: WO2022135654A1; MX2023007275A; AU2020482683A1

Abstract

Wall construction element (300) with variable length for constructing a dry wall comprising a profile (200), and a connection element (100) movably guided inside the profile (200), wherein the connecting element (100) and the profile (200) each have at their free end portions (101, 201) at least one anchor position (102, 202) for the anchor elements (102, 103), wherein the connection element (100) has at least two functional portions (110, 120), and wherein the first functional portion (110) has a smaller cross-section than the second functional portion (120), and the second functional portion (120), at least in portions, bears interlockingly against the inner surfaces of the profile (200) with its entire outer cross- section.

Description

CONNECTION ELEMENT AND WALL CONSTRUCTION ELEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTING A DRYWALL

Field of the invention

The present invention is associated with the field of dry construction and relates to a wall construction element for a drywall with a sliding ceiling or wall connection, wherein the drywall, particularly in the installation region of the wall construction element, provides a high load absorption, e.g., the load absorption required for the installation of a heavy fire door, despite the sliding property of the connection.

The invention also relates to a connection element which, in combination with a profile, namely a hollow profile with a preferably polygonal cross-section or a profile with a C- shaped cross-section, particularly with a light metal structural profile with a C-shaped cross-section, results in a load-absorbing wall construction element within the meaning of the present invention.

The loads (forces) occurring in a drywall as a result of the installation of a heavy fire door do not act exclusively, but predominantly in the transverse direction, i.e., transversely to the longitudinal direction of the wall construction element, to which the door is hinged.

When the general term load absorption is used in connection with the present invention, it includes the load transfer described in the previous sentence, which occurs predominantly in the transverse direction (transverse load) with respect to an upright (upright profile) arranged in the vertical direction.

CONFIRMATION COPY When used as a horizontal profile, the wall construction element is suitable, e.g., for providing a door lintel or also for holding a heavy bulletproof glass pane. The force of gravity originating from such a pane also acts predominantly in the transverse direction on a wall construction element used as a horizontal profile in a wall construction element.

With regard to their formability, drywalls as such are first and foremost characterized by a high degree of flexibility. The upright profiles usually used in dry construction are sheet metal profiles that have a U- or C-shaped cross-section. The open cross-section of the profiles allows for the full-surface insulation of the wall after the upright profiles have been fastened and planked.

Planking (paneling) refers to the fastening of planar structural elements (e.g., plasterboards) to the side surfaces of the upright profiles. Plasterboards are usually fastened with self-tapping screws that engage in and penetrate the sheet metal profiles. When planking, it is important that the edge regions of a planar structural element, e.g., the ceiling-side edge regions of the plasterboards, are also attached to the sheet metal profiles. This prevents the ceiling-side edges of the planking from bulging away from the wall construction elements.

The installation step of planking is initiated by positioning the planar structural elements on the side surfaces of the profiles. As a result, the side surfaces of the sheet metal profiles are already optically covered before the actual fastening by screwing in the self-tapping screws. For this reason, a position of the possible fastening points (screw points) that deviates from the vertical center of the profile side surfaces is undesirable.

Since a high surface coverage is always sought in drywall construction, the full-surface availability of the screw points on the side surfaces of an upright profile or a wall construction element results in an installation advantage.

A drywall initially becomes stable by screwing the vertical uprights, which usually have a U-shaped cross-section, to the horizontal sheet metal profiles with a usually U-shaped cross-section fastened to the ceiling and floor, and by the subsequent planking of the profile side surfaces with planar structural elements (e.g., with plasterboards).

The drywalls installed on the respective floors for flexible use of space usually have no load-bearing function. Building ceilings (floor slabs) can rise or sag due to weight loads and/or thermal influences. In order to compensate for the aforementioned movements of the floor slabs, the upper connection joint of a drywall can be designed as an expansion joint (movement joint) by an, in portions, overlapping arrangement of plasterboards.

In the case of drywalls, the suitability for absorbing heavy loads is already limited because the upright profiles, which can be easily adjusted with sheet metal tools, are made of thinwalled sheet metal (<0.6 mm). The introduction of movable wall and ceiling connections in a drywall built with thin-walled sheet metal profiles also influences their suitability for load absorption.

The sliding ceiling connection, which results from a movable arrangement of vertical profile portions, is to be regarded as a more stable alternative to an expansion joint with overlapping planking.

In the case of the sliding ceiling connection, the end portions of the upright profiles, which are arranged inside a drywall at a regular distance, are each connected in the vertical direction in a sliding (movable) manner to the underside of the next higher floor slab in the building.

Length-variable supports, which are characterized by a high load absorption, are known from steel construction. They are provided by two hollow profiles with a circular or a polygonal cross-section, which are, in portions, guided in a telescope-like manner one inside the other. After the end portions of the support have been fastened to the floor and ceiling, the hollow profiles, which, in portions, are guided in a telescope-like manner one inside the other, are locked in the overlapping portion by a cross bolt. The locking results in the load absorption. A locked support is no longer suitable for a sliding ceiling connection. A non-locked steel construction support is in principle suitable for providing a wall construction element for a drywall with a sliding ceiling connection.

However, in terms of time, said steel construction supports are characterized by an installation effort (expenditure of time) that is too high for the requirements of dry construction. Due to the material thickness of the steel construction supports, special fastening means often have to be used for planking. Self-tapping screws usually used in dry construction for plasterboard planking are no longer applicable.

The known length-variable wall construction elements usually consist of a first ceilingside, shorter element component (connection element) and a longer second element component which consists of a profile or profile portion (profile element) with an open C- shaped or closed polygonal cross-section.

The second element component relates to the profile. The profile element (i.e. the profile portion) can descriptively also be called a length element because the essential length portion of the wall construction element is provided by the second element component.

The adaptability of the length of the wall construction element results from the fact that the two components are guided one inside the other so as to be movable in portions. A telescope-like guiding of two profiles one inside the other is characterized in that the outer side of the inner profile bears interlockingly against the inner side of the outer profile in the respective overlapping region. In the case of profiles that are guided in a telescopelike manner one inside the other, the construction element is double-walled (doublelayered) in the overlapping region.

The double-walled structure results in an overall material thickness in the overlapping region, which can make the use of self-tapping screws for fastening plasterboards (planking) difficult. Since dry construction strongly aims at surface coverage, the difficulty can already lie in the fact that the fitter does not find uniform installation conditions on the side surface of the vertical support during planking. The double-walled structure, present in portions, of the supports known from steel construction limits the number of efficiently usable screw points.

In the present sense, a screw point can be used efficiently if it is accessible for self-tapping screws (without prior drilling) and the fastening base has a uniform material thickness.

Another disadvantage of the telescopic supports used in steel construction and made of hollow profiles is that the interior of said supports is no longer accessible after their installation. In other words, a subsequent filling of the steel construction supports with insulating material is not possible or is only possible with difficulty. In practice, the steel construction telescopic supports are filled with sand to improve the insulation because planar insulating materials cannot be used for the aforementioned reason.

After the planar structural elements (plaster boards) have been positioned during planking on the sides of the upright profiles, the plasterboards will already optically cover the side surfaces of the uprights. Therefore, it is advantageous for the fitter if the screw points come to lie uniformly on a line.

In the case of a wall construction element with telescope-like guiding, however, no fastening means are supposed to penetrate both layers in the region of the double wall because the sliding ceiling connection otherwise loses its essential property, namely that of movability.

As a result, in a conventional wall construction element with telescope-like guiding, the fastening points (so-called screw points) available on the side surfaces of the wall construction element for screwing in self-tapping screws are limited. This is referred to by the practitioner, in case the construction element is used to install a sliding ceiling connection, as a limitation of the height of the screw point, e.g. in general as limitation of the screwing area. According to the prior art, the movable connection of the vertical upright profiles to the underside of the higher floor slab with a sliding (movable) ceiling or wall connection can be provided in different ways.

Background art

According to US 5,040,345, a sliding ceiling connection is produced, in that the ceilingside end portions of the upright profiles of a drywall are slidingly mounted between the limbs of a profile with a U-shaped cross-section arranged in the horizontal direction. Inside the upright profiles with a C-shaped cross-section (C-profile), a shorter profile portion is located, which is guided in a telescope-like manner and also has a C-shaped crosssection. The internally guided C-profile is characterized by a limb extending with its length beyond the distal end of the outer C-profile limb. This protruding limb region of the internally guided C-profile serves as a spare fastening surface in the ceiling-side region because the double-layered region denoted in US 5,040,345 (see Fig. 5) with reference sign 30 is not available as a screw point during planking.

However, the lateral displacement of the screw region caused by the limb extension in US 5,040,345 requires increased attention when planking the upright profiles.

A screw that penetrates the double-layered region denoted in US 5,040,345 with reference sign 30 would cancel out the movability of the ceiling connection. In practice, the work pace for the planking work step is usually high. The surface coverage has priority. The planar structural elements (plasterboards) cover the double-layered region over the entire surface at the beginning of the planking. It is therefore possible that screws are inadvertently screwed into the double-layered region during planking.

In addition, the spare fastening surface positioned on the side represents a deviation from the positioning of the remaining, lower-lying screw points that are uniformly arranged in the center of the upright. Since the surface coverage has priority in dry construction, a changed availability of the screw points, i.e., a positioning of the screw points deviating from the horizontal center of the side surface of the profile, is undesirable. During installation, the full-surface accessibility of the side surfaces of an upright or a wall construction element without having to pay attention to a double-layered portion is a time advantage.

EP 1 513 988 A discloses a wall construction element which comprises a profile and a connection element guided, at least in portions, in a telescope-like manner inside the profile, wherein the connection element and the profile each have at least one anchor position at their free end portions.

Unlike the present invention, EP 1 513 988 A does not relate to a drywall but to a lengthvariable support element system that serves as a scaffold-like framework for masonry, i.e., the gaps between the framework are filled with individual bricks (clinker bricks). The side surfaces are not planked with planar structural elements. EP 1 513 988 A can therefore not be associated with dry construction and accordingly does not disclose a sliding ceiling connection.

Document WO 2019/197052 A1 discloses a clamp-like device which serves as a connection element for drywall profiles. The clamp-like device could descriptively also be called a plug-in bracket. In combination with a thin-walled sheet metal profile commonly used in dry construction, the plug-in bracket allows for the time-saving provision of a sliding ceiling connection. The profile limbs of the plug-in bracket are shorter than the limbs of the sheet metal profile. The shortening of the limbs has the effect that the side surfaces of the upright profile are available, at least in the front portion of the two profile limbs, over the entire profile length as screw points for planking the profiles. Screwing in a screw in the double-layered region, on the other hand, would cancel out the sliding property of the ceiling connection.

The slot guide is characteristic of the plug-in bracket from WO 2019/197052 A1. In the transverse direction, the interlocking and force-locking connection is essentially produced solely by the slot guide. The stability of the connection between the plug-in bracket and the respective sheet metal profile used is primarily determined by the material thickness of the sheet metal profile, against which the plug-in bracket bears with a comparatively small contact surface. The usability of the plug-in bracket known from WO 2019/197052 A1 for absorbing heavy loads is therefore limited. A wall construction element constructed from the plug-in bracket and a sheet metal profile is therefore less suitable for absorbing heavy loads.

Against this background, the problem addressed by the invention is that of providing a particularly resilient wall construction element which is suitable for constructing a drywall construction with a sliding ceiling connection (and/or with a sliding wall connection) and, despite the increased load capacity, is characterized by improved manageability and improved workability during installation.

The increased load capacity relates to those forces acting mainly in the transverse direction on a wall construction element of a drywall, which occur when heavy structural elements (e.g., fire doors, armored glass panes) are arranged on the wall construction element. Despite the increased load capacity, the installation time of the wall construction element is intended to be short.

The problem is solved by a wall construction element according to claim 1 and by a connection element according to claim 12.

The wall construction element with variable length for constructing a drywall comprises a profile, and a connection element movably guided inside the profile, wherein the connection element and the profile each have at their free end portions at least one anchor position for the anchor elements that can be connected to the wall construction element, and the connection element has at least two functional portions, and wherein the connection element is divided into at least two functional portions, wherein

- the first functional portion has a smaller cross-section than the second functional portion, and

- the second functional portion, at least in portions, bears interlockingly against the inner surfaces of the profile with its entire outer cross-section, i.e., with the surfaces of its cross-section lying on the outer side.

The connection profile according to the invention, in combination with a hollow profile or with a profile with a C-shaped cross-section, results in a wall construction element that can be varied in its length. The at least partially telescope-like guiding of the connection element through the inside surfaces of the profile is preferred.

Seize and form of the contact area of the telescope-like guided second functional portion supports overall stability of the construction element: The more planar the interlocking connection between the outer side of the connection element and the inner side of the profile, the more stable the wall construction element with regard to transverse loads.

In principle, the profile (profile portion) which, in combination with the connection profile, results in the wall construction element according to claim 1 , can be a hollow profile with a polygonal cross-section or a profile with a C-shaped cross-section (C-profile).

The central idea of the invention is based on the structure of the connection element, i.e., in its division into two different functional regions and the particular interaction of the two functional regions with the profile which, together with the connection element, results in a wall construction element.

In its second functional portion, in which the connection element is guided telescope-like at least in portions inside the combination profile, the connection element particularly preferably has a C-shaped or U-shaped cross-section. The, at least in portions, telescope- like guiding of the second functional portion effects the interlocking and the force-locking connection and is important for the stability of the wall construction element in the event of transverse loads.

The structure of the first functional portion represents an extension of the second functional portion, wherein the first functional portion

- effects the facilitated insertion of the connection element into the profile (installation time reduction I), and,

- by removing the limbs, double-layered screw points are avoided, thus keeping the side surfaces of the profile free as potential, easily workable screw points for planking (installation time reduction II).

The preferred material for the structural elements according to the invention is metal, preferably galvanized structural steel. For this purpose, stainless steel is also possible as the material, as are the other materials known to a person skilled in the art for the purposes described herein. Any material that is sufficiently stable and workable with self-tapping screws is suitable.

The connection element can consist of a hollow profile with a polygonal, particularly with a square, cross-section, or of a profile with a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section (e.g., a light metal construction profile). The aforementioned cross-sectional shapes are suitable for a telescope-like guiding of the second functional portion in a profile, wherein the profile has a cross-section of complementary shape. In accordance with its deviating function, the first functional portion has a cross-section that is reduced in circumference when compared to the second functional portion.

In the course of the production of the receiving element, the reduction of the circumference for providing the first functional portion with a receiving element U-shaped in the second functional portion, is achieved by completely or at least partially removing the limbs in the adjacent region (first functional portion). In the case of a connection element which has a C-shaped cross-section in the second functional portion, the reduction is achieved by at least partially removing the limbs and completely removing the lips for providing the first functional portion.

In the case of a connection element which, in the second functional portion, consists of a hollow profile with a polygonal cross-section, e.g., a square cross-section, the reduction is achieved by removing three of the overall 4 side walls of the hollow profile.

Detailed description of embodiments

For the clarity of the installation situation (after the planar structural elements have been applied and before they are fastened by self-tapping screws), it is preferred if the transition from the smaller cross-section of the first functional portion to the larger cross-section of the second functional portion is step-like. In other words, the widening of the cross-section of the first functional portion to the larger cross-section of the second functional portion is preferably not continuously increasing, but takes place in one step to provide the largest possible area of screw points.

The connection element preferably consists of a profile with a C-shaped or U-shaped cross-section or of a hollow profile with a polygonal cross-section. A hollow profile with a square cross-section is particularly preferred as the polygonal cross-section because the second functional portion, if it has a square cross-section, can be inserted into a profile with a complementary, i.e., also square, cross-section. A square profile has two parallel mounting surfaces on the outer side and can therefore be used more advantageously for the construction of a drywall than a hollow profile with a circular or even triangular crosssection after at least partial removal of surface areas.

If the basis material used to provide connection element consists of a hollow profile with a polygonal, preferably square, cross-section, the second functional portion with its entire lateral surface bears, preferably in an interlocking and/or force-locking manner, against the inner side of a profile with a corresponding complementary polygonal cross-section. However, in the first functional portion, the connection element bears against the inner side of the profile with only part of its lateral surface, preferably in an interlocking and/or force-locking manner.

A material (profile, profile for a connection element) with a C-shaped cross-section always has a web, wherein the web connects two limbs arranged parallel to one another and the limbs each have a lip at their distal ends. In the case of a material (profile, profile for a connection element) with a U-shaped cross-section, the structure is the same, but the aforementioned lips are missing.

It is preferred if the profile, which movably receives the connection element in portions, consists of a hollow profile with a polygonal, particularly with a square, cross-section, or of a profile with a C-shaped cross-section. In other words, the profile shows a web which connects two limbs arranged parallel to one another, each with lips at their distal end.

It is particularly preferred if the connection element has a C-shaped cross-section in the second functional portion, wherein, in the first functional portion, at least one of the two limbs

- has a limb length shortened by at least half, or

- is shortened up to the starting point of the limb on the web.

The shortening of the limbs has the effect that a wall construction element, formed from the profile and from a connection element guided at least in portions telescope-like inside the profile, in the region of the first functional portion, is not double-walled, but only single-walled on at least one side of the wall construction element, or is not double-walled, but only single-walled, on both sides of the wall construction element. The single-walled structure in the region of the first functional portion is advantageous because it allows for a high screw point, and the fastening with self-tapping screws is easier than with a double-walled structure.

It is particularly preferred if the connection element in the second functional portion consists of a profile with a C-shaped cross-section, wherein the outer cross-section of the second functional portion is dimensioned such that the second functional portion can be guided in a telescope-like manner inside the profile. In other words, the outer cross-section of the C-shaped connection element is slightly smaller in the region of the second functional portion than the inner cross-section of the C-profile, so that the, in portions, telescope-like guiding takes place in the most interlocking and force-locking manner possible (force-locking in the transverse direction of the wall construction element). In the first functional portion of this very particularly preferred embodiment, the two limbs of the C-profile are shortened to such an extent that the length of the limbs is equal to or smaller than the width of the lips in the second functional portion of the connection element.

In the most preferred embodiment the limbs of the first functional portion are thus not longer than the lips of the second functional portion. The remaining limbs have a stabilizing effect on the web which is essentially forming the first functional portion in this embodiment.

It is provided that the anchor positions are each formed by the end portions of the connection element, which are open at the front, and the profile, wherein separate anchor elements, which can be independently connected to the building and are formed on the outer side complementary to the inner cross-section of the connection element and the profile, can be positioned in an interlocking manner in the anchor positions or around the outer side of the anchor positions of the wall construction element.

The term “anchor position” generally denotes the fastening alternatives known to a person skilled in the art for the present purposes (an anchoring engaging in the end portion of the profile, fastening brackets, screw anchors, etc.). Alternatively, the anchor elements independently connectable to the building can also encompass the anchor positions on the end portions of the profile or the connection element on the outer side and fasten and anchor them after connecting them to corresponding fastening means. For this purpose, the anchor elements can each have at least one prefabricated opening for a fastening means to be guided through.

Angularly bent metal devices can also be used as anchor elements, which engage with a portion (vertical portion) in the end portions of the connection element, which are open at the front, and/or the profile and are connected by fastening means at the vertical portion to the respective end portion.

Particularly preferred angular anchor elements are characterized in that the bottom-side angular portion of the anchor element in the region of the profile is dimensioned in its width such that the anchor element can be positioned closely between the limbs of the profile, and has two recesses at the horizontal angle flange for receiving the two lips of a profile with a C-shaped cross-section.

The two recesses on the bottom-side (horizontal) angle flange have the effect that the profile with its bottom-side end face has direct contact with the ground, i.e. , stands directly on it, after the wall construction element has been installed.

This increases the stability of the profile. Unintentional lateral movements of the profile in relation to the anchor element are prevented by the engagement of the lips in the recesses during installation.

The wall construction element is characterized in various respects (i.e., essentially only in two parts, i.e., connection element + profile, screw point enlargement, screw point displacement) by its facilitated installation.

The planking (paneling) of planer structural elements is facilitated by the additional, visually recognizable marking of the screw point displacement. For this purpose, the wall construction element has a plurality of single-walled fastening positions for planar wall elements in the region of the first functional portion, wherein the fastening positions are positioned in the region of the first functional portion. The usable screw region is made visible to the fitter by at least one marking located in the boundary region to the second functional portion. The marking can take the form of an opening in the profile. The opening allows for a checking of the necessary single-layered (single-walled) structure in the region of the fastening position (marking). Above said marking begins the second functional portion inside the construction element. Beginning at this region, a doublewalled structure is present. When planking, no self-tapping screws must be screwed in above said region. Otherwise, the ceiling connection would no longer be sliding.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a connection element for insertion (telescopelike guiding) into the end portion of a profile for providing a wall construction element for a drywall with a sliding ceiling or wall connection, wherein the connection element has at least one anchor position at its free end portion. The connection element is divided into at least two functional portions, wherein

- the second functional portion bears at least in portions with its entire outer crosssection against the inner sides of a profile and is movable therein in the longitudinal direction of the profile.

In a preferred embodiment the connection element is characterized by the increased length of the first functional portion, e.g. with respect to the longitudinal direction of the connection element the first functional portion is at least by factor 10 longer than the second functional portion. This embodiment is more stable, since the contact area between the first functional portion and the profile is increased.

The connection element can be combined with very different profiles to form a wall construction element in the sense described above. The, in portions, telescope-like guiding of the receiving element inside the profile is each based on complementary cross-sections of the two components of the wall construction element.

Correspondingly, the outer profile can either consist of a hollow profile with a polygonal, particularly with a square, cross-section, or of a profile with a C-shaped cross-section (e.g., a light metal construction profile). The aforementioned cross-sectional shapes are suitable for a telescope-like guiding of the second functional portion in a profile, wherein the profile has an at least partially complementary cross-section on the inner side.

A U-shaped cross-section is not suitable for the external profile because a U-shaped cross-section does not allow for a telescope-like (at least in portions interlocking) guiding of a second profile (herein the receiving element) inside a first profile. In contrast to the C- profile, the U-profile, consisting of a web with two limbs arranged parallel to one another, does not have the lips running inwards parallel to the web at the distal end of each limb.

The lips allow for the interlocking guiding in connection with the, at least in portions, telescope-like guiding of the accommodation inside a profile with a complementary crosssection.

A particularly preferred cross-section for the profile is C-shaped. It is characterized in that it has a web, two limbs arranged parallel to one another and a lip at each of their distal ends. The lips, which are each arranged at the distal end of the limbs of the combination profile, also effect the front-side interlocking accommodation of the connection element, also having a C-shaped cross-section, in an optimal manner.

Profiles with a C-shaped cross-section are also preferred because of the accessibility of the inner region of the profile for subsequent insulation.

In a preferred embodiment, the connection element in the second functional portion has a leveling marking on the outer side. Said leveling marking can particularly preferably be designed as a leveling slot and lies approximately below the top edge of the profile. The marking marks the midway point of the portion guided in a telescope-like manner and is therefore used to determine the correct length of the profile in the course of the installation of the wall construction element.

The present wall construction element is suitable for drywall construction both as a vertical element (upright) and as a horizontal profile. The use as a vertical element results in a wall construction element for a sliding ceiling connection, which is characterized by a high screw point lying as close as possible to the ceiling. When used as a horizontal element, the problem is that of particularly providing a wall construction element that is characterized by the widest possible screw region.

During transport, handling and finally during installation, it is advantageous in terms of time that the wall construction element consists essentially of only two parts. “Essentially of two parts” means that the wall construction element consists of the connection element and the profile.

The anchor positions can be formed by the respective open end portions of the connection element and the profile if anchor elements connected to the building each engage interlockingly in the exposed end portion, or alternatively enclose the end portion and thus effect the fastening/anchoring of the wall construction element to the floor slabs.

The interaction of the components according to the invention can be emphasized by providing them as a structural element set.

The set of structural elements allows for the construction of a load-absorbing drywall with a sliding ceiling or wall connection. Each set includes

- at least one connection element, and

- at least one hollow profile with a polygonal, preferably square, cross-section or a profile with a C-shaped cross-section, or - at least one wall construction element already combined from a profile and a connection element, and

- at least one anchor element.

Description of the figures

Fig. 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 3 are intended to illustrate possible preferred embodiments and variants of the invention and their advantages without restricting the invention in any form.

Fig. 1a shows the wall construction element 300 by way of example as an assembled structure. The two essential components of the wall construction element are the connection element 100 and the profile 200, which both have a C-shaped cross-section in the depicted example. In the depicted example, an anchor element 203 engages in the anchor position 202 of the profile 200, which is formed by the open end portion of the profile 200. There are different possibilities for the design of the anchor element 203.

In the assembled state, the connection element 100 with its second functional portion 120 is guided in a telescope-like manner inside the profile 200. Due to the telescope-like guiding, the height of the wall construction element 300 is adjustable (variable). The extent of the length variability depends on the length of the second functional portion 120.

The length of the second functional portion 120 must be dimensioned such that the outer sides of the second functional portion 120 are guided, at least in portions, in a telescopelike manner inside the profile 200. In other words: After the installation of the wall construction element 300, the second functional portion 120 bears, at least in portions, with its entire outer cross-section in an interlocking manner against the inner surfaces of the profile 200. This is important for the stability of the wall construction element 300 after the installation of a heavy door, e.g., a fire door, on the wall construction element 300 (stabilization in the case of forces acting predominantly in the transverse direction). In addition to the transverse load stabilization by the second functional portion 120 bearing, at least in portions, interlockingly against the inner surfaces of the profile 200 with its entire outer cross-section, the first functional portion (not denoted with its reference sign 110 in Fig. 1a because it lies inside) assumes an important stabilizing effect when a door is hinged to the profile 200 below the connection element 100. The door only needs to be attached to the profile 200 below the connection element 100 because the wall construction element 300 would otherwise lose its sliding effect.

The fastening position on the outer side of the profile 200, denoted with the reference sign 210 in Fig. 1a, marks the highest screw point which must absolutely be observed when planking the wall construction element 300. If, in the course of planking, i.e., when a planar structural element (e.g., a plasterboard) is fastened to the profile 200 above the fastening position 210, a screw were to be screwed into the region, which is double-layered due to the telescope-like guiding described above, the wall construction element 300 would also lose its sliding effect.

Fig. 1b shows the two basic components of the wall construction element 300, namely the connection element 100 and the profile 200. Shown above is the connection element 100 with the step-like transition (step notch) between the first functional portion 110 (smaller cross-section) and the second functional portion 120. The first functional portion 110 begins below the step-like transition (step notch). This is the screw region, i.e., the region accessible for screwing in fastening means (e.g., self-tapping screws) in the course of planking.

The screw region is provided by the first functional portion of the connection element 110. In the portion 110, the limbs 106a, 106b of the C-profile, which is unchanged in the second functional portion 120, with the exception of the leveling marking 104, have been removed together with the lips 107a, 107b. The first functional portion 110 has a smaller crosssection than the second functional portion (120). This has the effect that the connection element 100 can be inserted into the C-profile 200 more easily. The interlocking accommodation of the surfaces that form the outer cross-section of the second functional portion 120 is achieved in the region of the telescope-like guiding through the inner surfaces of the profile 200. The inner surfaces of the profile 200 each comprise the inner surfaces of the web 205, the limbs 206a, 206b and the lips 207a, 207b.

If the wall construction element 300 is used as a support, the maximum length of the connection element 100 corresponds to the height of the door lintel. While the second functional portion 120 is designed to be as short as possible to secure a high screw point (e.g., 6 cm long, wherein the leveling slot 140 arranged centrally with regard to the aforementioned length of 6 cm lies in one plane with the upper edge of the profile 200), the first functional portion 110 for improving the stability of the wall construction element can be extended into the region of the door lintel (see Fig. 3).

In addition to the two basic components of the wall construction element 300, i.e., the connection element 100 and the profile 200, Fig. 2a shows the anchor elements 103 and 203. Both anchor elements 103 and 203 consist of a flat material and have openings for fastening means (preferably screw anchors or dowel screws) to be guided through.

The profile 200 and the profile anchor element 203 are connected by fastening means (screws, rivets, etc.) in the course of the installation of the wall element 300.

The anchor element 203 on the bottom side in Fig. 2a additionally has lateral recesses 204a and 204b for receiving the lips of the profile 200. With the lips engaging in the recesses 204a and 204b, the connection between the profile 200 and the profile anchor element 203 is additionally improved.

The upright part of the angular anchor element 203 in the region of the profile 200 is dimensioned in its width such that the anchor element 203 can be positioned closely between the limbs of profile 200. This has a further stabilizing effect on the connection between profile 200 an anchor element 203. In addition to the two basic components of the wall construction element 300, i.e., the connection element 100 and the profile 200, Fig. 2b shows the anchor element 103 firmly connected to the end portion of the connection element 100. The embodiment of the connection element 100 shown in Fig. 2b with firmly connected anchor element 103 can be combined with a multiplicity of profile cross-sections (e.g., a hollow profile with a polygonal, preferably square, cross-section or a C-shaped cross-section) and can therefore be used independently.

Fig. 3 shows the door lintel region in a drywall with a sliding ceiling connection, in which the wall construction element 300 was installed as a ceiling connection element.

The maximum length of the first functional portion 110 is delimited by the door lintel.

While the second functional portion 120 of the connection element 100 is designed to be as short as possible to provide a high screw point (e.g., 6 cm long, wherein the leveling slot 104 arranged centrally with regard to the aforementioned length of 6 cm lies in one plane with the upper edge of the profile 200), the first functional portion 110 for improving the stability of the wall construction element can be extended into the region of the door lintel.

The adequate installation position is obtained when leveling slot 104 is in one plane (coplanar) with the upper edge of profile 200. In this position the screw point marking 210 will confirm a one layer situation.

The fire door attached to the profile 200 must be hinged below the connection element 100, i.e., below the first functional portion. The fastening means of the door must not penetrate the first functional portion 110.

If the fastening means penetrate the first functional portion 110 and the profile 200 simultaneously and thus connect them to one another, the wall construction element 300 loses its sliding property.

List of reference signs

100 Connection element (ceiling connection element, wall connection element)

101 End portion connection element

102 Anchor position connection element

103 Anchor element connection element

104 Leveling marking (leveling slot)

105 Web connection element

106a Limb connection element

106b Limb connection element

107a Lip connection element

107b Lip connection element

110 First functional portion of the connection element

120 Second functional portion of the connection element

200 Profile

201 End portion profile

202 Profile anchor position

203 Profile anchor element

204a Recess

204b Recess

205 Web profile

206a Limb profile

206b Limb profile

207a Lip profile

207b Lip profile

210 Fastening position on the outer side of the profile (screw point marking)

300 Wall construction element

Claims

1. Wall construction element (300) with variable length for constructing a drywall comprising a profile (200), and a connection element (100) movably guided inside the profile (200), wherein the connecting element (100) and the profile (200) each have at their free end portions (101 , 201 ) at least one anchor position (102, 202) for the anchor elements (102, 103), characterized in that the connection element (100) has at least two functional portions (110, 120), wherein the first functional portion (110) has a smaller cross-section than the second functional portion (120), and the second functional portion (120), at least in portions, bears interlockingly against the inner surfaces of the profile (200) with its entire outer cross-section.

2. Wall construction element (300) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the transition from the smaller cross-section of the first functional portion (110) to the larger cross-section of the second functional portion (120) is step-like.

3. Wall construction element (300) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection element (100) consists of a profile with a C-shaped or U-shaped cross-section or of a hollow profile with a polygonal, particularly a square, crosssection, and the second functional portion (120) has one of said cross-sections in the same shape.

4. Wall construction element (300) according to claim 3, characterized in that the connection element (100) has a C-shaped cross-section with a web (105), two limbs (106a, 106b) arranged parallel to one another and a lip (107a, 107b) at each of their distal ends.

5. Wall construction element (300) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the profile (200) consists of a hollow profile with a polygonal, particular a square, cross-section, or of a profile with a C-shaped cross-section, wherein the C- profile has a web (205), two limbs (206a, 206b) arranged parallel to one another and a lip (207a, 207b) at each of their distal ends.

6. Wall construction element (300) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connection element (100) has a C-shaped cross-section in the second functional portion (120), wherein, in the first functional portion (110), at least one of the two limbs (106a or 106b) of the C-profile has a limb length shortened by at least half, or is shortened up to the starting point of the limb (106a or 106b) on the web (105).

7. Wall construction element (300) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the profile (200) and the connection element (100) in the second functional portion (120) consist of a profile with a C-shaped cross-section, wherein the outer cross-section of the second functional portion (120) is dimensioned such that the second functional portion (120) can be guided in a telescope-like manner inside the profile (200), and wherein, in the first functional portion (110), the two limbs (106a, 106b) of the C-profile are at least shortened to such an extent that the length of the limbs is equal to or smaller than the width of the lips (107a, 107b) in the second functional portion (120) of the connection element (100). Wall construction element (300) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the anchor positions (102, 202) are each formed by the end portions of the connection element (100), which are open at the front, and the profile (200), wherein separate anchor elements (103, 203), which can be independently connected to the building and are formed on the outer side complementary to the inner cross-section of the connection element (100) and the profile (200), can be positioned in an interlocking manner in the anchor positions (102) or around the outer side of the anchor positions (102, 202) of the wall construction element (300). Wall construction element (300) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the anchor positions (102, 202) are each formed by the end portions of the connection element (100), which are open at the front, and the profile (200), wherein angular, separate anchor elements (103, 203), which can be connected to the building, engage in the anchor positions (102, 202). Wall construction element (300) according to claim 9, characterized in that the bottom-side angular anchor element (203) in the region of the profile (200) is dimensioned in its width such that the anchor element (203) can be positioned between the limbs (206a, 206b) of the profile (200), and has two recesses (204a, 204b) at the horizontal angle flange for receiving the two lips (207a, 207b) of a profile (200) with a C-shaped cross-section. Wall construction element (300) according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the wall construction element (300) has a plurality of single-walled fastening positions (210) for planar wall elements in the region of the first functional portion (110), wherein the fastening positions (210) are positioned in the region of the first functional portion (110); and at least one fastening position (210) located in the boundary region to the second functional portion is characterized by a marking on the outer side of the profile (200). - 26 - Connection element for insertion into the end portion of a profile (200) for providing a wall construction element (300) for a drywall with a sliding ceiling or wall connection, wherein the connection element (100) has at least one anchor position (102) at its free end portion (101 ), characterized in that the connection element (100) is divided into at least two functional portions (110, 120), wherein the first functional portion (110) has a smaller cross-section than the second functional portion (120), and the second functional portion (120), at least in portions, bears against the inner sides of a profile (200) with its entire outer cross-section. Connection element (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the second functional portion (120) has a leveling marking (104) on the outer side. Use of a connection element (100) according to any of claims 12 to 13 and/or a wall construction element (300) according to any of claims 1 to 11 for the timesaving construction of a heavy-load-bearing drywall with a sliding ceiling connection and/or a sliding wall connection. Set of structural elements for constructing a load-absorbing drywall with a sliding ceiling or wall connection comprising the components at least one connection element (100) according to any of claims 12 to 13, and at least one hollow profile with a polygonal, preferably a square, cross-section or a profile (200) with a C-shaped cross-section, or at least one wall construction element (300) according to any of claims 1 to 11 , and at least one anchor element (103, 203).