The invention relates to a profile for arranging a component for a drywall construction, in particular a profile for a preferably ceiling-side fastening of a drywall, preferably a profile for a drywall comprising a panelled stud frame. Furthermore, the invention relates to a construction element set and to a drywall having such a profile.

So-called sliding ceiling connections are known in drywall construction. A connecting element for a sliding ceiling connection is disclosed for example in US 5,040,345.

The connecting element from the aforementioned publication has substantially a U-shape which can be inserted by one of its end sides, which shows the U-shape cross section, into a U-profile-shaped ceiling profile up to its U-profile web, that is to say against the ceiling, with the result that the U-profile-shaped connecting element is arranged transversely and thus perpendicularly to the U-profile-shaped ceiling profile. The upper end of a vertical stud of a stud frame of a drywall can be pushed onto the U shape of the connecting element in a sliding manner, or the U shape can be introduced into the upper end of the stud in a sliding manner. The free outermost end portions of the U-flanges of the U-profile of the connecting element can be screwed to the U-flanges of the ceiling profile, with the result that it is secured against a horizontal displacement in the ceiling profile. By contrast, the downwardly pointing width of the U-flanges of the connecting element predetermines a vertical sliding path for the upper end of the stud, which end can thus move correspondingly far from the U- web of the ceiling profile without coming completely free of the connecting element in the downward direction. In addition, for positive sliding guidance of the stud profile, the U- flanges of the connecting element have guide paths which are embodied as beads and in which the free longitudinal edges of a C-profile shape of the stud can engage in a positive manner. This positive engagement thus also prevents a horizontal movement of the stud, while it further allows a vertical movement. For the case of ceiling sag or upward bending, connecting elements are used as so-called sliding ceiling connections in order, with the help thereof, to connect ceiling profiles to stud profiles in such a way that a vertical movement and change of spacing between the upper ends of the studs and the ceiling profiles can be allowed and tolerated. At the same time or thereby the connection between the studs and the ceiling profiles being prevented from being completely released and the studs no longer being fixed in the horizontal direction by their upper ends, which would result in an instability of the wall. Deflections of ceiling profiles and/or stud profiles can occur particularly in the event of fire with a large action of heat or in the case of shocks, for example earth tremors or other jolts, that is to say dynamically. In such cases, a secure connection between ceiling and wall should remain to avoid adverse effects or even injuries to persons and, in the event of fire, to prevent fire spreading as long as possible.

The sliding movement made possible by the connection means that the upper free end of the guided stud can be situated at a greater or lesser distance from the ceiling. To form a drywall, the stud is usually panelled with panelling boards in one layer or two layers on one or on both sides. These boards can preferably contain gypsum as a constituent part, which can in particular also be suited for a fire protection. Especially for a fire situation, a sliding ceiling connection can indeed also be provided. However, if then the distance between the upper free end of the stud and the celling profile increases as a result of the sliding ceiling connection, the distance between the upper free edges of the panelling boards fastened to the stud and the ceiling also increases. This can result in an air- permeable gap which breaches the desired fire protection and, as a "weak point", facilitates and accelerates the transfer of fire.

A similar problem also arises if the drywall and its panelling boards are provided for noise protection since, hereto, a gap between ceiling and panelling boards can also breach the desired noise protection.

The object on which the invention is based is therefore to propose a profile of the generic type mentioned at the outset that can accommodate a possible relative movement of components of a drywall construction in an improved manner. This object is achieved according to the invention by a profile for a ceiling-, floor- or wall-side fastening of a drywall that has substantially a U shaped cross section, the profile comprising a web and two adjoining flanges, wherein the flanges are each designed to be resilient to the same degree and/or in the same manner in the direction which is substantially orthogonal to the web surface.

This inventive solution makes it reliably possible in a surprisingly simple manner to allow a movement play between a ceiling and a panelling without breaching and weakening a fire protection and/or noise protection. Even in the event of movement, the respective U-profile flange of the profile according to the invention completely blocks the relatively small or large gap which is produced between ceiling and panelling. Generally, the movement play will only be a few centimetres. This can be defined by a corresponding spring deflection. Moreover, the use of a profile according to the invention can also be expedient and useful, for example, in the abutment region between two abutting walls, not only in the abutment region between a ceiling and a wall. The profile according to the invention could also be used advantageously, in particular in certain portions, for the floor-side connection of a wall element to a room floor. If, for example in the event of fire, a room ceiling drops down, this is compensated for by the profile according to the invention as ceiling profile. However, the dropped-down ceiling is possibly at the same time also the now dropped-down floor of the room above. Gaps can thus also occur in the floor region of the upper room, and these gaps could be compensated for by the profile used as floor profile. This is particularly advantageous in portions which are not loaded by excessive weight force of the wall elements, in particular thus for example in the region of door elements, for example with a profile according to the invention applied to a screed.

An embodiment of the invention is characterized by the spring action being achieved by in each case at least one bead which is incorporated into the respective flange and extends longitudinally substantially parallel to the web extent.

As a result, it is possible in a particularly favourable manner to predetermine an appropriate spring deflection through the shape and size of the bead and to ensure that the corresponding flange remains areally closed during the spring movement. A flexible material for the profile that allows the spring movement can be suitably selected, with a metal sheet constituting the material of choice.

A preferred embodiment of the profile according to the invention provides that the respective bead is formed substantially as an arcuate recessing of the flange material into the interior of the profile. The respective bead itself preferably has a substantially approximately V-shaped cross section. A defined spring deflection can be set particularly well in this manner.

According to another embodiment of the invention the respective bead is formed approximately in the half of the effective flange depth that is adjacent to the web. As a result, the spring deflection is provided in a region in which it is required and in which it does not interfere with the panelling, which can be fastened in the region of the half of the flange that remains free.

What is to be understood here and in the following by the expression "effective flange depth" is the projection or the jutting of the flange from the web, including the channel width of the bead, wherein this effective flange depth is less than the material length of the flange that follows the extent of the bead or its lateral surface extent, that is to say the material length before the bead is incorporated. The profile could be produced, for example, by an extrusion process or by injection-moulding, but preferably by (multiple) folding of a flat material, in particular a metal sheet.

In the following it is intended, only by way of example, to mention some of the size ratios and parameters for embodiments of the profile according to the invention that could advantageously be taken into account for the design of the bead.

The channel width of the respective bead could preferably amount to approximately a third of the effective flange depth. The effective flange depth could preferably be approximately 50 to 70 mm, in particular approximately 60 mm, and the channel width of the bead could be approximately 15 to 25 mm, in particular approximately 20 mm.

The depth of the respective bead could preferably correspond to approximately a quarter of the effective flange depth. Given the aforementioned dimensions, the depth of the bead could be approximately 12 to 18 mm, in particular approximately 15 mm.

The depth of the respective bead could preferably correspond approximately to a quarter to a third of the web width. Given the aforementioned dimensions, the web width could be approximately 40 to 60 mm, in particular approximately 50 mm.

The effective flange depth could preferably be greater than or equal to the web width.

The effective flange depth could preferably be chosen to be approximately 20% greater than the web width. Web widths which are particularly considered are preferably the dimensions which are used internationally, where appropriate according to national or regional or international standards, in drywall construction for stud frames. In Germany alone, there are currently, for example, also profiles with web widths of 75 mm, 100 mm, 125 mm and 150 mm. In other countries, there are additionally further profile dimensions still, for example a web width of 70 mm. Finally, according to the invention, the web width can be adapted in particular to the desired finished wall thickness, with the height or depth of the flange being adapted in particular to the required spring deflection.

The effective flange depth, as the flange depth projecting from the web after incorporating the bead, including the channel width of the bead, in relation to the original material length or material depth of the flange before incorporating the bead, that is to say including the lateral surface length of the bead, could preferably be approximately 3:4. Given the aforementioned dimensions, the material depth of the flange could be approximately 65 to 95 mm, in particular approximately 80 mm. The depth of the bead could preferably be approximately 3/4 of its channel width. This would correspond approximately to a bead apex angle of 67.4 angular degrees.

As has already been mentioned further above, the profile is preferably produced from a metal sheet. In particular, the metal sheet could have a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm. This thickness allows a good compromise between stability and spring properties. Another development of the invention is characterized by the profile having substantially a box-shaped cross section by being formed from two profiles according to the invention, having substantially a U-shaped cross section, which profiles are nested with one another in such a way that the two U-profiles are pushed into one another with the free ends of their U- profile flanges leading. This can serve advantageously for increasing and/or reinforcing the profile according to the invention while maintaining spring properties, for example for use in rather large, self- supporting ceilings. The U-profile flanges of the two U-profiles pushed into one another can preferably be fixedly connected to one another, for example by brazing or welding or riveting or using other, suitable means. Independent protection is also claimed for a profile according to the invention for arranging a component for a drywall construction, which profile is provided as a ceiling profile for direct mounting on a ceiling, preferably as a ceiling profile for a ceiling-side fastening of a drywall, in particular a drywall comprising a panelled stud frame. This advantageously results, as already described above, in a movement play with a closed profile flange surface that counteracts neither a fire protection concept nor a noise protection concept, by contrast to a sliding ceiling connection.

In addition, the profile according to the invention can be provided with a fire protection material, preferably with a fire protection material which is intumescent in the event of fire, said material being applied, for example, as a varnish, coating or putty to the profile.

A profile according to the invention for arranging a component for a drywall construction, in particular, where appropriate, also a relatively short strand portion of such a profile, can particularly advantageously also be provided as a connecting member for the fastening of facing shells, in particular for directly fastened facing shells, or else for other correspondingly fastened drywall constructions.

Another embodiment of the profile according to the invention provides that the profile or in particular a strand portion of such a profile is designed and provided as a direct damping hanger or other spring bracket. This can preferably be associated with its use for fastening a facing shell.

Independent protection is also claimed for a construction element set for a drywall comprising a panelled stud frame, which construction element set is characterized by at least one spring profile according to the invention.

A preferred development of the construction element set according to the invention is particularly characterized by the web of the at least one spring profile being provided for connection to a ceiling or a wall and for fastening at least one panelling board to at least one of its profile flanges, wherein this profile flange blocks off a gap region between a free edge of the panelling board and the ceiling or the wall to prevent air passage. As already described further above, this avoids a weakening of a fire protection and/or a noise protection.

Although this is not absolutely necessary in the case of the spring profile according to the invention, according to an embodiment of the invention the construction element set can be characterized by the web of the spring profile being lined on the ceiling side or wall side with at least one strip of a panelling board material in order to predetermine an additional fire- protected region for a spring deflection, in particular if, as preferred according to a further embodiment, the fastening of the at least one panelling board to the profile flange is provided with an overhang of panelling board material that projects in the direction of the web. In the case of a ceiling connection, the overhang can preferably project approximately up to the web of the spring profile. In the case of a resilient compression of the spring profile, the upper free edge of the panelling overhang moves upwards beyond the plane of the web of the spring profile, it being possible for said required movement play to be provided above the web by the lining of the web with panelling board material. This results in a fire protection by the lining and the panelling which projects upwards in an overlapping manner as an apron or parapet. The lining can be chosen to be of such thickness and bulk that, even during a resilient stretching of the spring profile, this overlapping is still provided. As already mentioned further above, corresponding measures can also be used in an abutment region between two abutting walls.

In particular, provision can additionally be made for a fire protection material, preferably a fire protection material which is intumescent in the event of fire, to be arranged at least in the gap region between a free edge of the panelling board and the ceiling or the wall. Such an arrangement thus does not necessarily have to be carried out on the spring profile itself, but can also be provided in some other way in this region.

A preferred embodiment of the construction element set according to the invention is characterized by the panelling material containing gypsum. The at least one panelling board can preferably be a gypsum board, gypsum plasterboard or gypsum fibreboard. However, other panel materials known to the person of the art are also possible, chosen according to the intended use.

Independent protection is also claimed for a drywall according to the invention which is characterized in that it is built up from a construction element set according to the invention and/or comprises a profile according to the invention.

Exemplary embodiments from which further inventive features can also result but which are to be regarded in principle merely as being by way of example and which are not intended to limit the subject matter of the invention or its scope of protection are illustrated in the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a spring profile according to the invention,

Figure 2 shows a cross section or an end view of a box-shaped spring profile according to the invention as a second exemplary embodiment of a spring profile according to the invention which is formed from two nested-together spring profiles according to Figure 1 ,

Figure 3 shows an end view of the spring profile according to Figure 1 with examples of dimensions,

Figures 4 a), b), c) show sectional views of a vertical section with spring phases of a spring profile according to the invention as shown in Figure 1 as a ceiling profile of a drywall,

Figures 5 a), b), c) show sectional views of a vertical section with spring phases of a spring profile according to the invention as shown in Figure 1 as a ceiling profile of a drywall, corresponding to Figures 4 a), b), c), with a lining of the spring profile,

Figure 6 shows a sectional view of a horizontal section of a spring profile according to the invention as shown in Figure 1 as a wall connection profile of a drywall in the abutment region with a wall, and

Figure 7 shows a sectional view of a vertical section with spring profiles according to the invention as direct damping hangers for a suspended facing shell on a ceiling.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a spring profile according to the invention.

The spring profile has substantially a U-shaped cross section which is formed from a web 1 and flanges 2 which project substantially parallel to one another therefrom. A bead 3 which has approximately a V-shaped cross section is arcuately recessed into each of the flanges 2. These beads 3 allow a resilient stretching or shortening of the depth of the flanges 2. The spring profile is preferably produced from a metal sheet.

Figure 2 shows an end view of a second exemplary embodiment of a spring profile according to the invention. The cross section of this spring profile is substantially box-shaped or rectangular. This box shaped profile consists of two spring profiles according to Figure 1 which are plugged into one another and nested with one another. In Figure 2 and in the remaining figures, identical components are designated with the same reference numbers as in Figure 1.

The flanges 2 of the two U-profiles can additionally be fixedly connected to one another in their overlapping region, see description above.

Figure 3 shows the spring profile according to Figure 1 with examples of dimensions given.

Figures 4 a), b) and c) show sectional views of a respective vertical section with different spring phases of a spring profile according to the invention as shown in Figure 1 as a ceiling profile of a drywall. The spring profile 4 is illustrated in the unloaded state in Figure 4 a), whereas it is compressed in Figure 4 b) and pulled apart in Figure 4 c). As a result, the shape of the bead 3 and the effective depth of the respective flange 2 change in each case.

The spring profile 4 according to the invention is screwed directly to a ceiling 5 as ceiling profile. The ceiling 5 can be of multi-layered design. The spring profile 4 provides a connection between the ceiling 5 and a drywall comprising a stud frame 6 having - in this example double-layered - panellings on both sides in the form of panelling boards 7. In this example the panelling boards are gypsum fibreboards.

It can be seen in particular in Figures 4 that the spring profile 4, independent of the spring phase, does not open up an air passage gap between the ceiling 5 and the panelling boards 7 and thus does not breach a fire protection or a noise protection.

For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned at this point that the illustrations of Figures 4, if turned upside down, would represent conditions of how a profile according to the invention would appear and could be used if it were correspondingly used for connecting a wall at the base point thereof to a room floor. Figures 5 a), b) and c) show sectional views of a respective vertical section with different spring phases of a spring profile 4 according to the invention, corresponding to Figures 4 a), b) and c), with the same reference numbers.

By contrast to Figures 4, the spring profile 4 in Figures 5 is provided with a multi-layered lining of panelling board strips 8 between its web 1 and the ceiling 5. In addition, the panelling boards 7 have overhangs 9 which project upwardly beyond the web 1. These overhangs 9 form, as fire protection aprons, together with the panelling board strips 8, an additional labyrinth for reinforcing the fire and/or noise protection in this region. Here, the movement play between the upper edges of the panelling boards 7 and the ceiling 5 is defined by the thickness of the panelling board strips 8, specifically being coordinated with the spring deflection of the beads 3 and the height of the overhangs 9.

Figure 6 shows a sectional view of a horizontal section of a spring profile 4 according to the invention as shown in Figure 1 as a wall connection profile of a drywall in the abutment region with a wall 10. The illustration of Figure 6 substantially corresponds to the illustration of Figures 4 a) or 5 a), with the wall 10 replacing the ceiling 5 and, correspondingly, the spring profile 4 and the illustration being differently oriented.

Figure 7 shows by way of example a sectional view of a vertical section with spring profiles 4 according to the invention as direct damping hangers for a suspended facing shell 1 1 of multi-layered design on a multi-layered ceiling 5.

It also possible to use only short portions of a profile strand as direct damping hangers that are arranged on U-shaped ceiling profiles 12 of the facing shell 1 1 that continue or extend further.