PURPOSE: To eliminate insertion part detection failure and resolve such a problem that a detection section must be changed every time said parts are changed since the shape and position of lead terminals are changed, and to facilitate model switch over in a multi-model small quantity production system for a part detection device used in an automatic insertion machine which inserts parts into a printed board in automatic mode.

CONSTITUTION: The tips of lead terminals 3A, 3B, and 3C, which are inserted into a printed board 13 and come cut from the lower part are illuminated by a light source 5 slantingly downward. The illuminated part is photographed with a camera 6. The presence of shining lead terminals is confirmed by a recognition device, thereby deciding the acceptance and rejection of part insertion. Since they do not come into contact with the lead terminals, there is no chance for damaging the lead terminals. When the insertion position is changed, it is changed with an XY table. When the parts are changed, they can be promptly switched over by changing a recognition software.