Abstract: A rotary clutch (1) for the drive of cleaning spirals (6) for the cleaning of pipelines has a set of clutch jaws (2), which can move radially with respect to the axis (A--A) of the clutch, each of these jaws having an inner friction surface for carrying along the cleaning spiral (6) and at least one first outer control surface (8), extending at an angle to the clutch axis (A--A). A drivable control sleeve (4 or 5) with at least one second inner control surface (9) can execute relative motion toward this control surface (8), the inner control surface having an inclination comparable to that of the outer control surfaces (8) of the clutch jaw (2). To reduce the actuating forces and to increase the drive torque, the clutch jaws (2) and the control sleeve (4 or 5), at least one of which is provided, are provided with positively engaging carrier elements (10, 11).

Abstract: A hollow shaft (4) connected to a drive motor is supported in a machine housing (2) in such a way as to act on a rotary coupling (13) with at least two coupling jaws (28, 29). These jaws are held with freedom of radial and axial movement in recesses (23) in a jaw holder (14), which is able to rotate with the hollow shaft, the recesses being bounded by parallel surfaces (24, 25). The jaws can be pressed radially against the spiral wire rod under the action of a control device (16). To increase the operating reliability and to make it easier to replace the coupling jaws, one end of the hollow shaft (4) is connected nonrotatably with respect to a coupling housing (9), the circumference of which is at least mostly closed, and the jaw holder (14) with the coupling jaws (28, 29) is supported in the coupling housing (9) in such a way that it is not free to rotate but can be removed in the axial direction.