Dry wall dowel and method for fitting the dry wall dowel

Abstract

The invention relates to a dry wall dowel (1) and to a method for fitting the dry wall dowel (1). The dry wall dowel (1) according to the invention has a drilling element (5) at the front end (7) of the main body (3) in order to be introduced in a self-tapping manner into a plasterboard panel (2), and a non-round region (35) with a cross section with at least three corners (15, 16) at its outer contour. In particular, the non-round region (35) forms a prism.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Drywall anchor and method for installing the drywall anchor

[0003] The invention relates to a drywall anchor having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method for assembling the drywall anchor according to claim 14.

[0004] A generic drywall anchor for self-drilling screwing into a plasterboard is known from patent specification US 7,762,751 B2. The drywall anchor comprises a cylindrical base body with an external thread. A drilling element is arranged in one piece at the front end of the base body, with which a hole can be drilled in the plasterboard. When the drywall anchor is screwed into the plasterboard by rotating it, the drilling element first drills a hole in the plasterboard, into which the external thread is screwed without interrupting the screwing, whereby the external thread cuts into the plasterboard. The known drywall anchor is screwed into the hole until a flange, which is arranged circumferentially at the rear end of the base body, rests against an outer side of the plasterboard.To attach an attachment, such as a hook, to the plasterboard, the attachment is placed on the flange and a screw is screwed into a screw channel in the base body. The base body expands and splits at a predetermined breaking point in a front area of ​​the base body into two expansion bodies that engage behind the back of the plasterboard, so that the drywall anchor, and thus the hook, is firmly and securely attached to the plasterboard.

[0005] Another drywall anchor is known from European patent EP 3 577 350 B1. This anchor has a metal blade as the drilling element, which is axially and rotationally fixedly connected to the base body of this anchor by overmolding. At the front end of the cylindrical base body, additional anti-rotation ribs are arranged on its circumference. These ribs engage in the wall of the drilled hole after the base body has been expanded and prevent the drywall anchor from rotating when a screw is screwed into a screw channel formed in the base body. Furthermore, from published patent application DE 10 2020 107 225 A1, a drywall anchor is known in which, unlike the two drywall anchors described above, the drilling element is not permanently connected to the base body. With this drywall anchor, a reusable tool, which has a drilling blade at its front end, is inserted through the base body to install the drywall anchor.The tool rests on a stop at the rear end of the base body for self-drilling the drywall anchor. The tool is held in place in the base body by a positive fit to prevent rotation. The cutting edge of the tool projects beyond the front end of the base body and forms the drilling element of the drywall anchor when self-drilling into a plasterboard. To widen the hole drilled with the drilling element, axially running milling ribs are arranged on the outer surface of the base body. These widen the hole to the diameter of the base body when screwed in. In this process, removed material from the plasterboard is taken up in a slot that severs the base body in an axial plane at the front end. This weakens the base body and can lead to severe deformation or failure of the base body under torsion.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a drywall anchor for self-drilling screwing, the assembly of which is improved.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a drywall anchor having the features of claim 1 and by a method for assembling the drywall anchor according to claim 14. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention.

[0008] The drywall anchor according to the invention for self-drilling insertion into a plasterboard comprises a base body and a drilling element. In particular, the drywall anchor also has an external thread for cutting into the plasterboard, which is arranged on the base body, so that the drywall anchor can be screwed into the plasterboard in a self-drilling manner.

[0009] “Self-drilling installation” means that the drywall anchor according to the invention is suitable for creating a drill hole in the plasterboard when inserted, into which the drywall anchor is fastened, in particular by screwing in the external thread. The drilling of the drill hole and the insertion of the drywall anchor into the drill hole take place in a single installation step, i.e. without planned interruptions and without changing tools. For this purpose, the drywall anchor is placed with its drilling element at the front end on a visible side of the plasterboard. The drywall anchor is then rotated about its longitudinal axis, for example using a cordless screwdriver, and pressed against the plasterboard. The drilling element cuts the drill hole in the board, into which the drywall anchor is inserted, in particular screwed. When screwed in, the external thread cuts into the plasterboard in the area of ​​the drill hole wall.This avoids a two-stage installation process, with pre-drilling of the borehole and subsequent insertion, which requires two assembly steps with different tools and thus more work and time.

[0010] The base body extends from a rear end to a front end along a longitudinal axis of the drywall anchor, which is also the longitudinal axis of the base body. At its rear end, which in particular also forms the rear end of the drywall anchor, the base body has a tool holder for a turning tool. The tool holder can be designed, for example, as a hexagon socket or a Phillips head. A corresponding tool, for example a bit from a cordless screwdriver, can be inserted into the tool holder to rotate the drywall anchor about its longitudinal axis during self-drilling screwing in. In particular, the drywall anchor also has a flange at its rear end, which is in particular connected in one piece to the base body and which in particular extends over the entire circumference of the base body.The flange is used to attach to the visible side of the plasterboard and prevents the drywall anchor from being inserted too deeply into the plasterboard. After correct installation, the flange is flush with the visible side or rests on it. In addition, the flange can transfer compressive forces to the plasterboard that are introduced into the drywall anchor by an attachment that can rest on the flange. A screw channel is arranged in the base body and extends from the tool holder to the front end of the base body. The screw channel runs axially and concentrically to the longitudinal axis and can penetrate the base body completely up to the front end. The screw channel is used to accommodate a screw with which an attachment, for example a hook, can be attached to the drywall anchor and thus to the plasterboard in the usual way.In addition, if the screw channel is open at the front end, it can accommodate a tool that forms the drilling element, as is already known from the prior art described at the beginning.

[0011] If the drywall anchor includes an external thread, this is particularly connected to a circumferential surface of the base body in an axially and rotationally fixed manner, particularly in one piece, and extends helically around the longitudinal axis of the drywall anchor. In particular, the base body, the external thread, and, if present, the flange are manufactured in one piece from plastic using an injection molding process. The external thread is particularly designed such that it can independently cut into the plasterboard when the drywall anchor is inserted into the drill hole. For this purpose, the external thread has, in particular, a maximum thread height corresponding to 0.15 to 0.75 times, preferably 0.2 to 0.5 times, the external diameter of the base body at the rear end of the external thread.

[0012] The drilling element is arranged at the front end of the base body. In particular, the drilling element is connected to the base body in one piece. In particular, the drilling element is made of plastic and injection-molded together and in one piece with the base body, which enables simple and cost-effective production of the drywall anchor according to the invention. However, the drilling element can also be connected to the base body in an axially and rotationally fixed manner by overmolding or can be inserted through the base body as a separate tool, as is known from the prior art. In particular, the drilling element has a type of hollow, in particular cup-shaped drill bit that is open at the front and in which material removed from the plasterboard during installation of the drywall anchor in a plasterboard can be received. This reduces or prevents the escape of removed material into the surrounding area when creating the drill hole.

[0013] Preferably, the drilling element is conical, truncated cone or truncated pyramid-shaped and tapers towards the front to a tip.

[0014] In particular, the drill bit is hollow-cylindrical on the inside.

[0015] According to the invention, the base body has a non-circular region with a cross-section with at least three corners on its outer contour, each of the corners being formed by two adjacent side surfaces. More precisely, in a radial plane to the longitudinal axis, the intersection lines of two adjacent side surfaces merge into one another in a corner and form the corner. In particular, each of the side surfaces contributes to the formation of two corners. In particular, the number of side surfaces corresponds to the number of corners. The side surfaces are, in particular, more than half of the area between the corners is closed. They are, in particular, flat surfaces, but can also be curved and generally uneven, although the side surfaces do not have to be identical. In particular, they intersect at one point.If these two intersection lines are viewed as a common curve, the intersection lines at the corner either merge continuously but not smoothly, or discontinuously. There may also be multiple non-circular regions. The cross-section of the base body is therefore non-circular with at least three corners, at least in one partial region, the non-circular region. The “region” refers to a longer section that extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The “region” can also extend over the entire length of the base body. The non-circular region extends, in particular, essentially over the entire length of the base body extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis, provided that a flange is arranged at the rear end of the base body, up to the rear flange. In particular, the non-circular region extends over at least 10 percent, in particular over at least 25 percent, in particular over at least 50 percent of the length of the base body.In particular, the non-circular region is arranged in the front half of the base body or such that the non-circular region is at least partially located in the front half of the base body. In particular, the non-circular region extends from the front end of the base body to the rear. The corners of the non-circular region form edges over the length of the non-circular region, which edges run, in particular, parallel to the longitudinal axis. The corners or edges do not have to be sharp-edged, but can have a slight chamfer or be slightly rounded, as is common in plastic injection molding.

[0016] The cross-section forming the non-circular area with at least three corners on its outer contour enables any removed material from the plasterboard, such as drilling dust, that accrues during self-drilling screwing of the drywall anchor according to the invention into the plasterboard to be absorbed in a free space between the base body and the drilled hole wall. This improves the fit of the drywall anchor in the plasterboard and prevents removed material from escaping from the plasterboard. A cross-section with exactly six corners has proven particularly advantageous due to a balanced ratio of free space, contact with the drilled hole wall, and possible material thickness of the base body. With six corners, the base body can be designed to be sufficiently stable even in the area of ​​the screw channel and the tool holder to safely absorb torsional forces.

[0017] The drilling element preferably has an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the non-circular region of the base body. If the outer diameter of the non-circular region of the base body is larger than the drilling element, the base body can expand the drilled hole more effectively. In particular, the outer diameter of the non-circular region is the maximum outer diameter of the base body, whereby the outer diameter of any flange that may be present is not taken into account, since the flange is not part of the base body but is arranged on it. The term “outer diameter” refers to the diameter of an imaginary circle around the drilling element, around the non-circular region or around the base body, the center of which lies on the longitudinal axis of the drywall anchor and the circle itself lies in a radial plane to the longitudinal axis.

[0018] Preferably, the corners, or the edges extending across the round cross-section, form milling elements for widening the drill hole. Particularly when the drilling element has a smaller outer diameter than the non-circular area of ​​the base body, the corners or edges mill the diameter of the drill hole downstream of the drilling element and widen it so that the diameter of the drill hole corresponds to the outer diameter of the base body. Material removed during widening can be absorbed into the spaces between the drill hole wall and the non-circular area, preventing the removed material from escaping outward, from the drill hole, or from hindering the screwing of the drywall anchor into the plasterboard.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferred that at least one additional milling body, in particular a milling rib, is arranged at least at one of the corners and / or between at least two adjacent corners of the non-circular region to widen the borehole during screwing. The milling body or the milling rib protrudes in particular radially from the base body and projects outwards beyond the corner at which it is arranged. The milling body or the milling rib is in particular also made of plastic and is in particular integrally connected to the base body, in particular when manufactured by injection molding. The milling body or the milling rib can have one or more openings, in particular one or more notches, over the axial length, which allow the removed material to pass into the free spaces between the base body and the borehole wall.

[0020] At least two adjacent corners of the non-circular region are preferably connected by a curve that is not just imaginary but forms the outer contour of the cross-section in the non-circular region. In the mathematical sense, “curve” here generally refers to a one-dimensional object that can be curved, but can also have no curvature or a curvature of “zero”. The curve lies within an imaginary circle that circumscribes the basic body in the non-circular region. This circle corresponds to the circle used to determine the outer diameter of the non-circular region. The curve therefore lies within the outer diameter of the non-circular region. The curve is preferably a line segment between the two adjacent corners, where “line segment” means the shortest connection between the two corners, i.e. a straight line. In particular, two curves merge into one another at a corner, in particular continuously but not smoothly, or discontinuously.In a preferred embodiment of the drywall anchor according to the invention, the cross-section of the non-circular region with the at least three corners on its outer contour is a polygonal surface, i.e., a surface enclosed by a polygon. The polygon forms the outer contour of the non-circular region of the base body with the at least three corners. The polygon is, in particular, a hexagon. Depending on the longitudinal extent of the cross-section with the polygonal surface, the screw channel and / or the tool holder can be located in the cross-section with the polygonal surface. The outer contour of the cross-section is preferably a regular polygon, in particular a regular hexagon.The polygonal cross-section, especially the hexagonal cross-section, especially the regular hexagonal cross-section, has proven particularly advantageous because it creates a sufficiently large gap between the polygon and the drilled hole wall to accommodate any material removed when screwing the drywall anchor into the plasterboard. This is especially true when the polygonal cross-section extends over a large part of the length of the base body.

[0021] With a polygonal cross-section, the corners of the cross-section ensure optimal milling and expanding functionality, which works more efficiently than with a conventional cylindrical cross-section. More specifically, the corners of the outer contour of the non-circular area of ​​the base body form milling elements that expand the drilled hole without causing additional damage to the plasterboard. In the case of a polygonal cross-section, the corners of the cross-section rest against the drilled hole wall, while the straight lines connecting the corners are spaced from the drilled hole wall, creating the clearance or clearances.A hexagonal cross-section has proven particularly suitable for this purpose, as the ratio of the clearances between the drilled hole wall and the base body, as well as the contact of the base body with its corners against the drilled hole wall, is very balanced with regard to the screwing behavior of the drywall anchor into the plasterboard and the seating of the screwed-in drywall anchor in the plasterboard. Furthermore, the wall of the drywall anchor can be designed to be torsionally rigid, so that the drywall anchor does not fail during screwing.

[0022] Preferably, the non-circular region is a prism or it has a prism, in particular a prism with side surfaces running parallel to the longitudinal axis, in particular with six side surfaces which are parallel to the longitudinal axis and which in particular have identical surfaces.

[0023] Alternatively, the non-circular region is a truncated pyramid or it has a truncated pyramid. This means that the cross-section of the non-circular section changes over its length, in particular tapering towards the tip of the drilling element. In another preferred embodiment, the non-circular section can also have a conical outer surface near the flange. The conical or truncated cone shape of the non-circular section of the base body serves to expand the drill hole as it is drilled into the plasterboard by the drilling element. Furthermore, the conical or truncated cone structure offers an improved holding function that functions differently than a conventional cylindrical shaft. In particular, the truncated pyramid has six side surfaces.

[0024] The non-circular region may also comprise a combination of at least one prismatic and at least one truncated pyramid-shaped section.

[0025] The non-circular region can also change its cross-section along its longitudinal axis, with the number of corners remaining constant along the length of the non-circular region. In particular, two spaced-apart cross-sections are geometrically similar.

[0026] In particular, the diameter of the drywall anchor increases along its longitudinal axis from front to back over its entire length, so that it has the smallest diameter at its front end and the largest diameter at its rear end.

[0027] It's possible that the corners of the cross-section rotate around the longitudinal axis, thus forming a helix. If this helix rotates in the opposite direction to the external thread, this can cause removed material to be displaced forward.

[0028] Instead of being straight over its entire length, the curve connecting the at least two adjacent corners in the non-circular area can be curved at least in sections, in particular concave, inwards towards the longitudinal axis, thereby increasing the existing free space between the base body and the borehole wall.

[0029] The base body is preferably slotted, i.e. it has at least one slot that completely penetrates the base body radially. In particular, the slot is the only opening in the side surfaces. In particular, the external thread is also interrupted in the region of the slot. In particular, the slot does not penetrate all of the side surfaces. In particular, the slot runs transversely to the longitudinal axis in a front section of the slot. In particular, the slot runs straight in a rear region of the slot, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis, and in a front region transversely to the longitudinal axis, which enables good expansion behavior when screwing a screw into the screw channel. The slot forms two expansion bodies on the base body, which are connected to one another in particular by a predetermined separation point, in particular at the front end of the slot.If there is an external thread, the external thread is interrupted in the area of ​​the slot so that the external thread does not prevent the screw from spreading out. The slot does not run the entire length of the base body and in particular not all the way to its front end. In one embodiment, the slot can be closed by a type of spray skin or folded wall so that the slot is closed when the drywall anchor is screwed into the plasterboard and no removed material can get through the slot into the screw channel. If the base body is spread out when a drywall anchor is subsequently screwed in, the spray skin or the wall expands and can tear. In this case, the screw particularly prevents the removed material from entering or leaving the screw channel.

[0030] In a front section, the base body is preferably pyramid-shaped or truncated pyramid-shaped, i.e. the outer diameter changes in this section. In particular, its cross-section decreases from back to front, i.e. at the front end of the front section, the base body thus has a smaller outer diameter than in a rear section that adjoins the front section. The front section can be the non-circular section or form part of the non-circular section. The cross-section of the front section is in particular geometrically similar to the rear section, i.e. if the rear section of the base body is designed as a cylinder with a hexagonal cross-section, the front section also has hexagonal cross-sections.In particular, the front section is a truncated pyramid with a hexagonal base and the subsequent rear section is designed as a hexagonal prism, which connects to the rear end of the truncated pyramid with the same cross-sectional area.

[0031] In the method according to the invention for installing the drywall anchor according to the invention, a fastening assembly is produced which comprises the drywall anchor and a plasterboard. When the drywall anchor according to the invention is screwed into the plasterboard, a hole is drilled into the plasterboard using the drilling element. According to the invention, removed material from the plasterboard in the area of ​​the drill hole is absorbed in a free space between the drill hole wall and the peripheral wall of the base body between two adjacent corners of the non-circular area of ​​the base body. It is particularly advantageous if the cross-section of the non-circular area is a polygonal surface, and in particular if the non-circular area of ​​the base body or the entire base body is designed as a prism or a truncated pyramid. A hexagonal cross-section has proven particularly advantageous in this case.

[0032] For the method according to the invention, it is preferred if the drilling element has an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the non-circular region of the base body, so that the non-circular region of the base body widens the drill hole when screwed in with the corners as milling elements and / or at least one milling body. The drill hole is widened to the outer diameter of the non-circular region, so that the drywall anchor according to the invention has a good fit in the drill hole. In particular, the diameter of the drilling element also increases along its length towards the base body, so that the drill hole is widened more with the drilling element the further the drilling element penetrates into the plasterboard.

[0033] The features and combinations of features, embodiments and configurations of the invention mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or drawn in a figure can be used not only in the respective combination specified or drawn, but also in principle any other combinations or individually. Embodiments of the invention are possible which do not have all the features of a dependent claim. Individual features of a claim can also be replaced by other disclosed features or combinations of features. Embodiments of the invention which do not have all the features of the embodiment(s), but basically any part of the identified features of an embodiment, optionally in combination with one, several or all features of one or more further embodiments, are possible.

[0034] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to five embodiments shown in the drawing.

[0035] They show:

[0036] Figure 1 shows a first drywall anchor according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0037] Figure 2 shows a side view of the first drywall anchor according to the invention from Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a section through the first drywall anchor according to the invention in the area of ​​the line III-III of Figure 2, looking backwards onto the underside of the flange;

[0038] Figure 4 shows a section through a fastening arrangement with the first drywall anchor according to the invention and a plasterboard after installation of the drywall anchor, cut in the area of ​​the line III - III of Figure 2;

[0039] Figure 5 shows a second drywall anchor according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0040] Figure 6 shows a section through the second drywall anchor according to the invention in the area of ​​the line VI - VI of Figure 5, looking backwards onto the underside of the flange;

[0041] Figure 7 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 6 of a third drywall anchor according to the invention;

[0042] Figure 8 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 6 of a fourth drywall anchor according to the invention;

[0043] Figure 9 shows a fifth drywall anchor according to the invention in a perspective view; and

[0044] Figure 10 is a side view of the fifth drywall anchor according to the invention from Figure 9.

[0045] In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided with identical reference numbers.

[0046] Figures 1 to 4 show a first drywall anchor 1 according to the invention for self-drilling into a plasterboard 2. The drywall anchor 1 according to the invention has a base body 3, an external thread 4, and a drilling element 5.

[0047] The base body 3 extends from a rear end 6 to a front end 7 along a longitudinal axis 8, which is also the longitudinal axis 8 of the drywall anchor 1. At its rear end 6, the base body 3 has a tool holder 9 for a turning tool (not shown), in the exemplary embodiment a holder for a Phillips bit, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 4. Adjoining the tool holder 9 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8 is a screw channel 10 which extends towards the front end 7 of the base body 3. In the exemplary embodiment, however, it does not completely penetrate the base body 3 in its length, but ends with a slot 11 which penetrates the base body 3 radially to the longitudinal axis 8 and at a distance in front of the front end 7 of the base body 3. A screw (not shown) can be screwed into the screw channel 10 to fasten an attachment (not shown), such as a hook.The sectional planes of the sections in Figures 3 and 4 each lie in the transition area from the tool holder 9 to the screw channel 10. At the rear end 6 of the base body 3, a circumferential flange 12 is arranged, which has six straight sides on its circumference and several parallel anti-rotation ribs 13 on its underside 14. After a planned installation of the drywall anchor 1 according to the invention in a plasterboard 2, the flange 12 rests with its underside 14 on a visible side of the plasterboard 2 and serves as a support surface for the attachment. In order to prevent the drywall anchor 1 from rotating with the screw and being unintentionally unscrewed from a drill hole 36 when the attachment is dismantled and the screw is unscrewed from the screw channel 10, the anti-rotation ribs 13 cut into the visible side of the plasterboard 2 when installed as planned.

[0048] The base body 3 has a non-circular cross-section with six corners 15, 16 on its outer contour essentially over its entire length. This non-circular region 35 with a cross-section with six corners 15, 16 on its outer contour extends from the front end 7 of the base body 3 to the flange 12, which is arranged at the rear end 6 of the base body 3. The basic shape of the base body 3 is a prism in a rear section 38 with six flat, identical side surfaces 17 running parallel to the longitudinal axis 8. Each of the corners 15, 16 is formed by two adjacent side surfaces 17. The number of corners 15, 16 corresponds to the number of side surfaces 17. The outer contour of a cross-section of the prism is a regular polygon in the shape of a regular hexagon. In a front section 20 of the base body 3, the cross section of the base body 3 is reduced in the manner of a truncated pyramid down to the drilling element 5.Even in this front section 20, the cross-section still has a regular hexagon as its outer contour.

[0049] Generally speaking, the cross-section of the base body 3 is a polygonal surface, i.e. a surface enclosed by a polygon, wherein the polygon forms the outer contour with, in the exemplary embodiment, six corners 15, 16. Adjacent corners of the polygon are connected to one another in the cross-section by straight lines, for example a first corner 15 and a second corner 16 by a first straight line 18. In the cross-section, all straight lines 18 lie within a circumcircle 19 which passes through the corners 15, 16, lies in a radial plane to the longitudinal axis 8 and whose center point lies on the longitudinal axis 8. This can be seen in Figure 4, wherein a borehole wall 26 of a borehole 36, described in more detail below, is identical to the circumcircle 19.

[0050] Adjacent to the front end 7 of the base body 3 is the drilling element 5, whose triangular cutting edge 21, terminating at the front in a point 22, forms the front end of the drywall anchor 1 according to the invention. The triangular cutting edge 21 is seated in a hollow cylindrical drill bit 23, which has a plurality of saw teeth 24 arranged in a circular ring at its front end. The outer diameter 33 of the drilling element 5 is larger than the outer diameter of the front end of the base body 3 at the transition to the drilling element 5, but smaller than the outer diameter 34 of the non-circular region 35 of the base body 3 in the rear section 38, in which the base body 3 has the shape of a prism in the exemplary embodiment.

[0051] The external thread 4 is integrally connected to the circumferential surface of the base body 3. It extends helically around the longitudinal axis 8 and is designed as a type of pointed thread for cutting into the plasterboard 2. The external thread 4 has a maximum thread height corresponding to approximately 0.4 times the outer diameter of the base body 3 at the rear end of the external thread 4.

[0052] To install the drywall anchor 1 to create a fastening arrangement comprising the drywall anchor 1 and a plasterboard 2, the drywall anchor 1 according to the invention is placed with the tool holder 9 onto a bit of a rotary tool, for example a cordless screwdriver (not shown), and the tip 22 is pressed against a visible side of the plasterboard 2. If the drywall anchor 1 according to the invention is then rotated, the triangular cutting edge 21 first cuts open the cardboard on the visible side of the plasterboard 2 and then mills the plaster of the plasterboard 2 until the saw teeth 24 of the hollow cylindrical drill bit 23 cut into the plaster. Portions of the material removed during drilling, such as drilling dust, are picked up by the hollow cylindrical drill bit 23.After the drilling element 5 has created a borehole 36 through the plasterboard 2, the external thread 4 engages in the borehole wall 26 of the borehole 36 and cuts into the plasterboard 2 by screwing. The corners 15, 16 of the base body 3 come into contact with the borehole wall 26. In this case, the corners 15, 16 form milling elements which widen the borehole 36 so that, after correct assembly, the corners 15, 16 of the outer contour rest against the borehole wall 26, as shown in Figure 4. The removed material 27 which arises during the widening of the borehole 36 collects in free spaces 25 which arise between the flat side surfaces 17 of the base body 3 and the borehole wall 26. This results in a firm fit of the drywall anchor 1 according to the invention in the drill hole 36 and enables a low-torque screwing of the drywall anchor 1 into the plasterboard 2.In addition, by absorbing the removed material 27 into the free spaces 25 and the hollow cylindrical drill bit 23, only a small amount of material can escape from the drilled hole 36 on the visible side and contaminate the surrounding area. For clarity, the counter thread in the plasterboard 2, cut by the external thread 4, is not shown.

[0053] After the drywall anchor 1 according to the invention has been installed as planned in the plasterboard 2, an attachment can be fastened to the drywall anchor 1 with a screw (not shown). For this purpose, the screw is screwed into the screw channel 10. The screw then reaches the area of ​​the screw channel 10 in which the slot 11 is also located. The slot 11 runs parallel to the longitudinal axis 8 in a rear section, but transversely to it in a front section and ends in front of a predetermined breaking point 28 formed in the front section 20 of the base body 3. If the screw, which is screwed into the screw channel 10 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8, strikes the transverse part of the slot 11, the two parts of the base body 3 divided by the slot 11 are pressed apart radially to the longitudinal axis 8, whereby the predetermined breaking point 28 breaks.These two parts form a first expansion body 29 and a second expansion body 30, which are pressed against the drilled hole wall 26 by the expansion and / or engage behind the back of the plasterboard 2, thereby improving the fit and hold of the drywall anchor 1 in the drilled hole 36. In the area of ​​the slot 11, the external thread 4 is interrupted so that the external thread 4 does not hinder the expansion.

[0054] The drywall anchor 1 according to the invention can be easily installed in a plasterboard 2, wherein due to the design of the drywall anchor 1 according to the invention only a small amount of removed material, such as drilling dust, protrudes outwards from the drill hole 36.

[0055] The other figures show further exemplary embodiments which differ from one another exclusively in the area of ​​the outer contour of the base body 3. Figures 5 and 6 show a second drywall anchor 1 according to the invention which differs from the first drywall anchor 1 according to the invention in Figures 1 to 4 only in that a longitudinally extending milling rib 31 is arranged as a milling body 37 at each of the corners 15, 16 of the base body 3, which milling body protrudes radially outwards from the base body 3. The milling rib 31 increases the material removal when the drill hole 36 is widened and increases the available free space 25. Figure ? shows a further exemplary embodiment in which a further milling rib 31 is arranged between each of the corners 15, 16.

[0056] In contrast, in the embodiment of Figure 8, the corners 15, 16 are not connected to one another by straight lines, but the curves 32 connecting the corners 15, 16 are concavely curved inwards towards the longitudinal axis 8, whereby the milling properties of the corners 15, 16 are improved and the free spaces 25 created between the corners 15, 16, the curve 32 and the borehole wall 26 are enlarged.

[0057] The drywall anchor 1 according to the invention, shown in Figures 9 and 10, has a modified drilling element 5, the drill bit 23 of which tapers conically, like a truncated cone, towards the tip 22. This means that the outer diameter 33 of the drill bit 23, or of the entire drilling element 5, decreases toward the front along the longitudinal axis 8, so that the drilling element 5 widens the drill hole 36 the further the drilling element 5 penetrates into the plasterboard 2. The cutting edge 21 of the drilling element 5 is also sharper than in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 8, so that it can be pressed into the plasterboard 2 with less force at the beginning of installation.

[0058] The various illustrated embodiments of the drywall anchor 1 according to the invention are each manufactured in one piece from a plastic using an injection molding process, for example, from a polyamide. Thus, the drilling element 5, the flange 12, and the external thread 4 are each integrally connected to the base body 3. It is also possible, for example, to manufacture the drilling element 5 or parts thereof from a different material and / or a different plastic. For example, the drilling element 5 can be manufactured from a hard, fiber-reinforced plastic instead of unreinforced polyamide, and the entire drywall anchor 1 according to the invention can be injection-molded, for example, using a two-component injection molding process.

[0059] Drywall anchor and method for installing the drywall anchor Drywall anchor Plasterboard Main body External thread Drilling element Rear end of the main body 3 Front end of the main body 3 Longitudinal axis Tool holder Screw channel Slot Flange Anti-rotation rib Underside of the flange 12 First corner Second corner Side surface of the main body 3 First straight line Circumference Front section of the main body 3 Triangular cutting edge Tip Core bit Sawtooth Free space Borehole wall Removed material Predetermined breaking point First expansion body Second expansion body Milling rib Curve Outer diameter of the drilling element 5 Outer diameter of the non-circular area 35 Non-circular area of ​​the main body 3 Borehole Milling body Rear section of the main body 3

Claims

Claims 1. Drywall anchor (1) for self-drilling insertion into a plasterboard (2), wherein the drywall anchor (1) has a base body (3) and a drilling element (5), wherein in particular an external thread (4) is arranged on the base body (3), wherein the base body (3) extends from a rear end (6) to a front end (7) along a longitudinal axis (8) of the drywall anchor (1), the base body (3) has at its rear end (6) a tool holder (9) for a turning tool, and the base body (3) has a screw channel (10) which extends from the tool holder (9) to the front end (7) of the base body (3), and wherein the drilling element (5) is arranged at the front end (7) of the base body (3), characterized in that the base body (3) has at least one non-circular region (35) with a cross-section with at least three corners (15, 16) on its outer contour, wherein each of the corners (15,16) is formed by two adjacent side surfaces (17).

2. Drywall anchor (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the corners (15, 16) form milling elements for widening the drill hole (36).

3. Drywall anchor (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that at least one milling body (37) for widening the drill hole (36), in particular a milling rib (31), is arranged on at least one of the corners (15, 16) and / or between at least two adjacent corners (15, 16).

4. Drywall anchor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least two adjacent corners (15, 16) of the non-circular region (35) are connected by a curve (32) forming the outer contour, which lies within an imaginary circle (19) that circumscribes all corners (15, 16).

5. Drywall anchor (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the curve (32) is a line (18) between two adjacent corners (15, 16).

6. Drywall anchor (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the cross section of the non-circular region (35) of the base body (3) is a polygonal surface which is enclosed by a polygon, wherein the polygon forms the outer contour with the at least three corners (15, 16), in particular a hexagon.

7. Drywall anchor (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the outer contour of the cross section is a regular polygon, in particular a regular hexagon.

8. Drywall anchor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the non-circular region (35) is or has a prism.

9. Drywall anchor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the non-circular region (35) is or has a truncated pyramid.

10. Drywall anchor (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the curve (32) is curved at least in sections, in particular concave inwards to the longitudinal axis (8).

11. Drywall anchor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the base body (3) has at least one slot (11) which radially penetrates the base body (3) and forms at least two expansion bodies (29, 30).

12. Drywall anchor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a front section (20) of the base body (3) is pyramid-shaped or truncated pyramid-shaped.

13. Drywall anchor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that that the drilling element (5) has an outer diameter (33) which is smaller than the outer diameter (34) of the non-circular region (35) of the base body (3) and / or that the drilling element (5) is designed in the shape of a truncated cone or pyramid, tapers towards the front to a tip (22) and has a hollow, in particular cup-shaped, drill bit which is open towards the front.

14. Method for installing the drywall anchor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 for producing a fastening arrangement which comprises the drywall anchor (1) and a plasterboard (2), wherein during insertion with the drilling element (5) a borehole (36) is drilled into the plasterboard (2), characterized in that material (27) of the plasterboard (2) removed in the borehole (36) is received in a free space (25) between the borehole wall (26) and between the peripheral wall between two adjacent corners (15, 16) of the non-circular region (35) of the base body (3).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the drilling element (5) has an outer diameter (33) which is smaller than the outer diameter (34) of the non-circular region (35) of the base body (3), so that the non-circular region (35) of the base body (3) widens the borehole (36) when screwed in with the corners (15, 16) as milling elements and / or at least one milling body (37).

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