Metal element inspection device and metal element inspection method

An element inspection method for a Continuously Variable Transmission belt comprising the steps of:

• a conveying process for sequentially transporting a plurality of metal elements, wherein a flank side recessed part formed in a metal element for a Continuously Variable Transmission belt is placed on a rail and travels along said rail;
• and
• a detecting process for detecting movement of an inspection rod inserted in noncontact with an opposite side recessed part of said metal element in said conveying state;
• and
• said detecting process detects interference by an uplifted portion of said metal element from said rail due to foreign matter lodged in a flank side recessed part of said metal element, or interference by foreign matter lodged in an opposite side recessed part of said metal element, and inspects for the existence of said foreign matter being present from that detection result.