Patent ID: 8665328

Claim:
An apparatus for determining an overtravel time of a machine having a moveable machine part and an optoelectronic protection device designed to stop movement of the machine part, wherein the protection device comprises a camera having an observation area in which at least one protection zone with a protection zone boundary is defined, and wherein the protection device produces a stop signal when an object enters the protection zone, the apparatus comprising: a light source designed to produce a defined light spot for simulating an object within the protection zone, a support element supporting the light source, with the support element being designed to position the light source in the area of the protection zone boundary, and an evaluation and control unit having a first signal input for receiving an end signal indicating that the machine part has come to rest, wherein the evaluation and control unit is designed to switch on the light source at a defined starting time, and to determine a time interval between the defined starting time and reception of said end signal.