Actuator with reverse input blocking clutch, steering device, and reverse input blocking clutch control method

A control method of a reverse input blocking clutch,

• the reverse input blocking clutch including an input member that is rotatably driven by an actuator, and an output member that is connected to an output-side mechanism so as to transmit torque, and when torque is input to the input member from the actuator in a state in which torque is not reversely input to the output member from the output-side mechanism, is configured to transmit torque that is input to the input member to the output member;
• and when torque is reversely input to the output member from the output-side mechanism in a state in which torque is not input to the input member from the actuator, is configured to lock rotation of the output member;
• the control method comprising:
• in a case where a predetermined condition is met, switching the reverse input blocking clutch to a state in which torque can be transmitted between the input member and the output member, in a state in which torque is being reversely input to the output member from the output-side mechanism, by the actuator applying torque to the input member in an opposite direction to a direction of the torque being reversely input to the output member from the output side mechanism, and then continuously giving an instruction to the actuator to apply torque having a magnitude smaller than a magnitude of the torque being reversely input to the output member from the output side mechanism to the inner member in the opposite direction, transmitting the torque being reversely input to the output member from the output side mechanism to the input member.