Mixing machine with VFD based diagnostics

A mixing machine, comprising:

• a head extending over a bowl receiving location, the head including a downwardly extending rotatable output shaft for receiving a mixer tool, the head including a gear system therewithin for effecting rotation of the rotatable output shaft about its axis and orbiting of the shaft axis about another axis;
• an electric motor having an output operatively connected to drive the gear system;
• a variable frequency drive connected to deliver 3-phase power to the electric motor to achieve variable speed and torque, wherein the variable frequency drive includes a plurality of embedded sensors, including embedded current sensors and embedded voltage sensors;
• and
• a diagnostic control configured to analyze outputs from the embedded sensors and produce an alert indication upon identification of a characteristic indicative of at least one of input power brownout, input power surge, machine short circuit, motor phase insulation arch, motor phase to ground arch or motor loss of phase;
• wherein the variable frequency drive is connected to an on-board mixing machine controller, and the diagnostic control is in part incorporated into the mixing machine controller and in part embedded within the variable frequency drive.

A mixing machine, comprising:

• a head extending over a bowl receiving location, the head including a downwardly extending rotatable output shaft for receiving a mixer tool, the head including a planetary system therewithin for effecting rotation of the rotatable output shaft about its axis and orbiting of the shaft axis about another axis;
• an electric motor having an output operatively connected to drive the gear system;
• a variable frequency drive connected to deliver 3-phase power to the electric motor to achieve variable speed and torque, wherein the variable frequency drive includes a plurality of embedded sensors, including embedded current sensors and embedded voltage sensors;
• and a diagnostic control configured and operable to analyze outputs from the embedded sensors and produce:
• a first alert indication upon identification of a characteristic indicative of an input power brownout;
• a second alert indication upon identification of a characteristic indicative of an input power surge;
• a third alert indication upon identification of a characteristic indicative of a machine short circuit;
• a fourth alert indication upon identification of a characteristic indicative of a motor phase insulation arch;
• a fifth alert indication upon identification of a characteristic indicative of a motor phase to ground arch;
• and
• a sixth alert indication upon identification of a characteristic indicative of a motor loss of phase.