Abstract: A torque converter including: a turbine; a first stator; a first interlocking clutch; and a second interlocking clutch. In a first operating mode, to enable rotation of the turbine in a first direction, the first clutch is for engaging with the turbine and is engageable with an input shaft of a transmission and the second clutch is for engaging with the first stator and is engageable with a fixed shaft of the transmission. In a second operating mode, to enable rotation of the first stator in a second direction, opposite the first direction, the first clutch is for engaging with the first stator and is engageable with the input shaft and the second clutch is for engaging with the turbine and is engageable with the fixed shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuously variable transmission which is compact and high in operation efficiency, and allows smooth starting and smooth change-over between forward running and backward running. The continuously variable transmission includes a torque converter which in turn includes at least three runners of an impeller, a first turbine and a second turbine. The continuously variable transmission further includes a lock-up clutch operable to couple the impeller and the first turbine to each other, and a hydraulic brake disposed on a first turbine shaft connected to the first turbine and capable of being fixed to a housing. The second turbine is connected to a second turbine shaft connected to a pulley of a transmission via a one-way clutch which transmits a force only when the second turbine rotates in a direction reversed to the direction of rotation of the impeller.