To achieve smooth connection reduced in abrasion during a controllable connection process.

In an apparatus for connecting the cylinder of a rotary press to a drive gear 3 by a changeover clutch, the first connection disc 6 of the clutch is arranged so as to be relatively movable with respect to a second connection disc 4 by a working cylinder 19 capable of being loaded with a pressure medium. In this system, a control valve 36 is arranged in a controllable manner to make the pressure acting on the inside of the working cylinder during a connection process smaller than final pressure (p2) acting in a connected state.