Agricultural distribution machine for applying distribution material and method for operating an agricultural distribution machine

Abstract

The invention relates to an agricultural distribution machine (100) for applying distribution material to agricultural land, comprising at least one storage container unit (10) which is divided into multiple storage containers (11A-11C), in particular container chambers, and provided for storing distribution material, and multiple detection means (S1-S3), preferably designed to be identical and / or in the form of weighing sensors, which are associated with the storage container unit (10) and designed to detect the distribution material in the storage container unit. In order to improve and / or simplify the determining and / or identification of the stored distribution material amounts at a distribution machine, an evaluation unit (200) is provided which is designed to determine the individual distribution material amounts within the respective storage containers, in particular container chambers, based on the detection means and taking into account centre of gravity information which is associated with each storage container and which can be stored and / or provided in an electronic format.

Description

[0001] Agricultural distribution machine for spreading material and method for operating an agricultural distribution machine

[0002] The invention relates to an agricultural distribution machine for spreading material according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a method for operating an agricultural distribution machine according to the preamble of patent claim 5.

[0003] In the field of agriculture, a multitude of variants of towed, mounted, and / or self-propelled work machines are known. These include, among others, distribution machines designed for spreading liquid and / or granular materials along agricultural land. Depending on the type of application, such distribution machines can be designed, for example, like sowing and / or fertilizing machines or as field sprayers. Depending on the type of distribution machine and / or application, the material to be distributed can be, for example, granular or bulk seed and / or fertilizer, or as a liquid spray, such as a pesticide or the like.

[0004] In agricultural practice, distribution machines are often required that are suitable for storing particularly large quantities and / or different types or varieties of distribution materials. Typically, distribution machines with at least one storage container unit divided into several storage containers, especially container chambers, are used for this purpose.

[0005] In numerous operating situations, it is necessary to know and / or determine the current quantity of the distribution material or the current quantity of distribution material held in the storage container unit in a specific situation. This may be necessary, for example, for level and / or consumption monitoring and / or for operating various working units of the distribution machine.

[0006] From the publication DE 102009 044 068 A1, a distribution machine with a storage container unit divided into several storage containers, in particular container chambers, is known. The distribution machine comprises several detection means assigned to the storage container unit, in particular of the same type and / or designed in the manner of weighing sensors. The detection means are configured to detect the goods to be distributed in the storage container unit.

[0007] However, such distribution machines with subdivided storage container units have so far suffered from the disadvantage that, with such detection devices, only the quantity of distribution material held in the entire storage container unit can be detected and / or determined. The quantities of distribution material held in the individual storage containers, in particular container chambers, and in particular container chamber-specific, cannot yet be easily detected and / or determined with the detection devices, which are particularly similar and / or designed in the manner of weighing sensors. A particular disadvantage is that the detection and / or determination of individual distribution material quantities within different storage containers or container chambers is particularly complex.

[0008] The object underlying the invention is therefore to improve and / or simplify the determination and / or determination of the quantities of distribution material held on a distribution machine.

[0009] The object is achieved by a distribution machine of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the distribution machine has an evaluation device which is designed to determine the individual quantities of distributed goods within the respective storage containers, in particular container chambers, on the basis of the detection means and taking into account the center of gravity information assigned to the respective storage containers, which can be stored and / or specified electronically.

[0010] As a result of this measure, the quantities of distribution material located in the respective storage containers, in particular container chambers, can be determined in a particularly simple manner using common, in particular identical and / or externally arranged, detection means. In particular, this ensures that the quantities of distribution material can be determined individually within all storage containers, in particular container chambers, of the storage container unit. The detection means are preferably designed in the manner of force or load-sensing sensors, such as force sensors, strain gauges or the like, and are preferably arranged externally on the at least one storage container unit. Particularly preferred are detection means which are designed in the manner of weighing sensors or load cells. The detection means are each configured to transmit a sensor signal dependent on the quantity of distribution material held to the evaluation device.The evaluation device is further configured to process the sensor signals accordingly and to consider them for determining an individual quantity or quantities of distributed material. The center of gravity information relating to the storage container unit, in particular the individual storage containers or container chambers, can be specified by the manufacturer or alternatively or additionally by the user or operator and / or stored, in particular, in an electronic memory of the distribution machine and / or the evaluation device.

[0011] The evaluation device is preferably configured to determine and / or ascertain the respective distribution material quantities during a filling process of the storage container unit or during the filling of the distribution material. Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation device can be configured to determine and / or ascertain the respective distribution material quantities during operation, in particular during application (e.g., for level monitoring), or for the purpose of calibrating the control and / or regulating system, in particular sensor devices. The evaluation device can preferably be at least one computer unit of a control and / or regulating system assigned to the distribution machine. Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation device can also be part of a mobile and / or external operating and / or display device, such as a smartphone, operating terminal, notebook, farm computer, or the like.

[0012] The at least one storage container unit is preferably arranged on a frame of the distribution machine, with the detection means particularly preferably being arranged between the frame and the storage container unit. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the detection means to be arranged exclusively on the frame or on the storage container.

[0013] The term "distribution material quantity" is understood below, unless explicitly stated otherwise, to mean the volume or mass, and particularly preferably the fill weight, of the distribution materials stored in one of the storage containers, in particular container chambers. Alternatively or additionally, the term "distribution material quantity" can also refer below, unless explicitly stated otherwise, to a fill level of at least one storage container, in particular a container chamber.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the distribution machine according to the invention, the respective current position and / or location of a container center of gravity on the distribution machine, which depends in particular on the quantity of material to be distributed, can be determined and / or specified based on the center of gravity information. In this case, it is preferably provided that the respective container centers of gravity, in one of several preferred embodiment variants, represent the centers of gravity of an empty storage container, in particular with an empty weight. In a particularly preferred embodiment variant, the respective container centers of gravity can represent the centers of gravity of the material to be distributed located in an individual storage container, in particular a container chamber. In a further preferred embodiment variant, the container centers of gravity can also represent an overall center of gravity from the centers of gravity of the respective material to be distributed and the respective storage container.The container centers of gravity, in particular their position and / or location, are preferably determined and / or specified for at least one, particularly preferably for each, storage container of the at least one storage container unit. In particular, it is provided that, based on the center of gravity information, a plurality of positions and / or locations of the respective container centers of gravity can be specified, which are each assigned to different fill levels of the storage containers, in particular container chambers. In other words, the position and / or location of the container center of gravity can have a different position and / or location when the storage container or a full container chamber is full than when the storage container or a half-full container chamber is half-full. The center of gravity information can, for example, be implemented in the form of an electronically stored function curve and / or table, for example as a lookup table.Furthermore, the quantity of material to be distributed can be determined from a function and / or equation consisting of the center of gravity information and the sensor signals of the detection means.

[0015] In a further development of the distribution machine according to the invention, the storage containers, in particular container chambers, are arranged such that their container centers of gravity are laterally offset, in particular with respect to a common axis pointing at least approximately transversely or in the direction of travel. The storage containers and / or their container centers of gravity can be arranged at least almost centrally one behind the other in or transversely to the direction of travel, while they are offset from one another in the other direction, in particular perpendicular thereto and / or laterally. In particular, it can be provided that at least one storage container and / or container center of gravity is arranged offset from at least one other storage container and / or container center of gravity.Furthermore, an imaginary common axis can be provided which is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the storage container unit, wherein the storage containers, in particular container chambers, are each spaced differently from the common axis. This also results in different distances between the storage containers, in particular the container centers of gravity, and the detection means. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the resulting forces and / or moments of the respective container centers of gravity have different effects on the detection means and thus the sensor signals. This allows the quantities of material to be distributed from different storage containers, in particular container chambers, to be detected and / or determined with particularly high accuracy. This embodiment is therefore particularly advantageous for distribution machines and / or storage container units with more than two storage containers, in particular container chambers.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the invention

[0017] In the distribution machine, the evaluation device is configured to calculate the individual distribution quantities based on a force and / or moment equilibrium. The force components relevant and / or considered for the calculation result in particular from the weight forces of the individual distribution quantities held at a specific point in time in the various storage containers, preferably container chambers. Based on these force components and / or weight forces, defined sensor signals and / or sensor signal combinations result from the multiple detection means, which can be uniquely identified by the evaluation device and clearly assigned to determine the distribution quantities. Alternatively or additionally, the force and / or moment equilibrium can preferably be determined based on at least one predefinable center of gravity axis.In particular, it is provided that the moment equilibrium around the center of gravity axis is calculated and / or determined, wherein the center of gravity axis preferably forms the axis of rotation of the moment equilibrium. Furthermore, it is particularly preferably provided that the center of gravity axis intersects the center of gravity of at least one storage container, in particular of a container chamber, as seen in at least one plane. In the case of several, in particular more than two, storage containers, in particular container chambers, it can be provided that the center of gravity axis intersects the centers of gravity of at least two storage containers, in particular two container chambers, as seen in at least one plane. As a result, the resulting force components of the respective container center of gravity, on the basis of which the center of gravity axis is defined, are negligible.The plane by which the center of gravity axis is defined is particularly preferably aligned at least approximately horizontally, in particular perpendicular to the line of action of the Earth's gravitational force, in particular a gravitational vector.

[0018] In an alternative but equally preferred embodiment, the force and / or moment equilibrium can alternatively or additionally be defined relative to a specific point, in particular one of the container's centers of gravity. This embodiment is particularly preferred for storage container units with two storage containers, in particular container chambers. The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a method for operating the agricultural distribution machine of the type mentioned above, wherein an evaluation device is provided which is configured to determine the individual quantities of distributed material within the respective storage containers, in particular container chambers, based on the detection means, which are in particular designed in the manner of weighing sensors, and taking into account the center of gravity information assigned to the respective storage containers, which is stored and / or predetermined electronically.With regard to the advantages and modifications of the method according to the invention, reference is first made to the advantages and modifications of the distribution machine according to the invention.

[0019] The material to be distributed is collected by means of several, preferably identical, collection devices assigned to a storage container unit of the distribution machine. The material to be distributed is stored within several storage containers, in particular container chambers, into which the storage container unit is divided.

[0020] The detection means are preferably designed to detect the mass, in particular the filling weight, of the material to be distributed, for example during and / or after a filling process and / or a spreading process or during the operation of the distribution machine.

[0021] In a further development of the method according to the invention, the respective current position and / or location of a container center of gravity on the distribution machine, which depends in particular on the quantity of goods to be distributed, is determined and / or specified based on the center of gravity information. In other words, the evaluation device is specified based on the center of gravity information at which position and / or location a container center of gravity is to be expected for a defined quantity of goods to be distributed, in particular a defined fill level. The center of gravity information can in particular map a plurality of positions and / or locations of a respective container center of gravity, since this changes depending on the currently available quantity of goods to be distributed, in particular depending on the fill level.In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, a force and / or moment equilibrium is determined and / or predefined based on the distribution material detected by the detection means and the center of gravity information, in particular the position and / or location of the respective container centers of gravity. Preferably, the individual distribution material quantities located in the respective storage containers, in particular container chambers, are determined based on the force and / or moment equilibrium. In other words, when determining the distribution material quantities, the evaluation device considers both the sensor signals of the detection means and the predefined and / or retrieved center of gravity information.

[0022] In a further development of the method according to the invention, the force and / or moment equilibrium is determined and / or specified with respect to at least one container center of gravity. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for distribution machines with two different storage containers, in particular container chambers.

[0023] Furthermore, a method according to the invention is preferred in which the force and / or moment equilibrium is determined and / or specified with respect to at least one center of gravity axis that intersects the centers of gravity of several storage containers, in particular container chambers. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for distribution machines with more than two different storage containers, in particular container chambers.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the evaluation device is configured to at least approximately determine the individual quantities of distribution material held within the respective storage containers, in particular container chambers, using repetitive, in particular iterative, computing operations. It is preferably provided that between the, in particular iterative, computing operations, different positions and / or locations for at least one container center of gravity are specified and / or determined. In other words, between the, in particular iterative, computing operations, different positions and / or locations for a respective container center of gravity are assumed and / or specified. Alternatively or additionally, at least one initial density for the distribution material is specified and / or retrieved.When storing different types and / or varieties of distribution goods simultaneously, it would also be conceivable to specify several different initial densities. Furthermore, it would also be conceivable for the density of the distribution goods to be detected and / or determined using additional sensors assigned to the respective storage containers, especially container chambers.

[0025] Further details of the invention can be found in the example description and the drawings. The drawings show

[0026] Fig.1 A an agricultural distribution machine with a storage container unit in perspective view from the front;

[0027] Fig.1 B the storage container unit in a perspective view from below;

[0028] Fig.2 shows a second embodiment of a storage container unit according to the invention in a schematic representation;

[0029] Fig.3 shows a storage container unit according to the invention with two container chambers in a schematic calculation example;

[0030] Fig.4A shows a storage container unit according to the invention with three container chambers in a schematic calculation example;

[0031] Fig.4B shows the storage container unit and the calculation example from Fig.4A from a different perspective;

[0032] Fig. 4C shows the storage container unit and the calculation example from Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B in a top view; and Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of a storage container unit with two container chambers in a schematic representation.

[0033] The storage container unit 10 of an agricultural distribution machine 100, here for example a seed drill, is arranged on a frame 20. On the front of the frame 20, a drawbar 21 is arranged, which is to be arranged on a coupling device of an agricultural tractor, while the running wheels 22 are arranged on the rear of the frame 20. On the rear of the frame 20, a seed bar with seed coulters can be arranged (not shown) by means of a suitable coupling device. The storage container unit 10 has a plurality of storage containers 11A, 11B, 11C, which are referred to below as container chambers. In this exemplary embodiment, the container chambers are divided into a first or front container chamber 11A, a second or middle container chamber 11B, and a third or rear container chamber 11C.As the other exemplary embodiments show, the storage container unit 10 according to the invention can also be divided into fewer or more container chambers 11A-11C. The container chambers 11A-11C of the storage container unit 10 are funnel-shaped in the lower region and each have an outlet opening 111A-111C. A metering element 112A-112C for the metered discharge of the distribution material located in the respective container chamber 11A-11C is assigned to the respective outlet opening 111A-111C.

[0034] At this point, it should be explicitly mentioned again that the illustrated towed distribution machine 100, in an alternative embodiment, can also be carried by a tractor or attached and / or mounted to it. Furthermore, a self-propelled distribution machine 100 would also be conceivable as an alternative.

[0035] Depending on the application and / or design of the distribution machine 100, granular or bulk and / or liquid distribution material can be held and / or stored within the container chambers 11A-11C. The distribution material can, in particular, be in the form of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, or the like. It is also conceivable that the different container chambers 11A-11C contain identical or different types or varieties of distribution material.

[0036] Furthermore, it can be seen that the different container chambers 11A-11C are arranged one behind the other in a direction of travel F of the distribution machine 100 and / or along a common axis A1 or longitudinal axis. Alternatively, an arrangement in which the different container chambers 11A-11C are arranged laterally next to one another or transversely to the direction of travel F would also be conceivable.

[0037] As can be seen more clearly in Fig. 1B, the storage container unit 100 is assigned detection means S1-S3, designed here as weighing sensors. Alternatively or additionally, other types of force-detecting sensors, such as strain gauges or the like, would also be conceivable. The detection means S1-S3 are arranged outside the storage container unit 10, with one of the detection means S1 being arranged in the front area and the other detection means S2, S3 being arranged in the rear area and laterally offset. By means of these detection means S1-S3, designed as weighing sensors, the goods to be distributed in the storage container unit 10 can be detected.

[0038] As can also be seen in the figures, an evaluation device 200 according to the invention is provided, which is assigned to the distribution machine 100 and is connected to the detection means S1-S3 in a signal-conducting manner. In this exemplary embodiment, the evaluation device 200 is connected to the detection means S1-S3 via signal lines 201, whereby alternatively or additionally a wireless connection between the evaluation device 200 and the detection means S1-S3 would also be conceivable. The evaluation device 200 is configured according to the invention to determine the individual quantities of distribution material located in the respective container chambers 11A-11C based on the detection means S1-S3 and taking into account the center of gravity information assigned to the respective container chambers, which can be stored and / or specified electronically.The center of gravity information can be stored on and retrieved from an electronic data storage device assigned to the evaluation device 200.

[0039] Based on the center of gravity information, the evaluation device 200 can determine and / or specify the respective current position and / or location of a container center of gravity SW1 -SW3 on the distribution machine 100, which depends in particular on the quantity of goods to be distributed.

[0040] The quantity of distribution material held in reserve is understood to mean the mass, in particular the filling weight, of the distribution material located in the respective container chamber 11A-11C. Alternatively or additionally, the quantity of distribution material held in reserve can also be understood as the filling level of the respective container chamber 11A-11C.

[0041] Since the position and / or location of the container center of gravity SW1 -SW3 of a respective container chamber 11 A-11 C changes with decreasing and / or increasing quantity of distribution material, a plurality of container centers of gravity SW1 -SW3 are stored for each of the container chambers 11 A-11 C based on the center of gravity information. Thus, the evaluation device 200 can particularly accurately determine and / or determine the current quantity of distribution material of a respective container chamber 11 A-11 C even when the fill level changes.

[0042] A further storage container unit 10 according to the invention is shown schematically in Fig. 2. As can be seen here, the different container chambers 11A-11C are arranged such that their container centers of gravity SW1-SW3 are offset laterally, in particular with respect to the longitudinal axis A1 pointing approximately in the direction of travel F. With respect to an imaginary, global coordinate system K, the longitudinal axis A1 is aligned correspondingly to the X-axis, with the container chambers 11A-11C being offset from one another in the direction of the Y-axis. The Z-axis of the coordinate system K is aligned correspondingly to the earth's gravity, which is indicated by a gravitational vector V. As an alternative to this exemplary embodiment, it would also be conceivable for only at least one of the container chambers 11A-11C to be offset, while the other container chambers 11A-11C are arranged centrally or symmetrically to one another.

[0043] Fig. 3 shows a calculation example performed by the evaluation device 200 using a storage container unit 10 with two different container chambers 11A, 11B. The evaluation device 200 is configured to calculate the individual quantities of material to be distributed located in the container chambers 11A, 11B based on a force and / or moment equilibrium. For this purpose, in particular, a center of gravity axis A2 or a point is defined which defines the pivot point for the force and / or moment equilibrium. The force components FK1, FK2 acting on the centers of gravity SW1, SW2 result from the stored quantities of material to be distributed, which are to be determined and / or ascertained by the evaluation device 200.The calculation of the force components FK1, FK2 and thus the quantities of material to be distributed can be carried out based on the fixed, predetermined distances a, b, c (dimensions on the distribution machine 100) and the sensor signals of the detection means S1-S3, as indicated by equations G1. As can be clearly determined from equation G1, in a first step, the corresponding point or pivot point of the force and / or moment equilibrium for calculating the first force component FK1 (fill weight in the first container chamber 11A) is placed on the container center of gravity SW2 of the second container chamber 11B. In a second step, the point or pivot point for calculating the second force component FK2 (fill weight in the second container chamber 11B) is placed on the container center of gravity SW1 of the first container chamber 11A.It should be explicitly mentioned here that the positions of the detection means S1 - S3 could also be conceivable at other locations; for example, in another embodiment, at least one of the detection means S1 - S3 can also be arranged between the container chambers 11 A, 11 B.

[0044] Figures 4A to 4C show a calculation example for a storage container unit 10 with three different container chambers 11A-11C. Fig. 4A shows the container chambers 11A-11C seen from the side or along the X-axis of the coordinate system K. Fig. 4B shows the container chambers 11A-11C in a view from the rear or along the Y-axis of the coordinate system K. Fig. 4C shows the container chambers 11A-11C in a plan view or along the Z-axis of the coordinate system K. The evaluation device 200 is set up to calculate the individual quantities of distribution material located in the container chambers 11A, 11B, 11C based on the force and / or moment equilibrium. For this purpose, in particular the center of gravity axis A2 (seen in Fig. 4C) is specified, which defines the axis of rotation for the force and / or moment equilibrium.Viewed on a plane clamped between the X and Y axes, the center of gravity axis A2 intersects the container centers of gravity SW2, SW3 of the container chambers 11 B, 11 B. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the center of gravity axis A2 to be arranged and / or aligned such that it intersects the container center of gravity SW1, SW2, SW3 of a single container chamber 11 A, 11 B, 11 C. For the container centers of gravity SW2, SW3 intersected by the center of gravity axis A2, the resulting force components FK2, FK3 and / or moments can be assumed to be at least almost zero and thus neglected. The calculation of the force component FK1 and thus the quantity of material to be distributed or the filling weight in the container chamber 11 A can be carried out based on the fixed distances ad, fx (dimensions on the distribution machine 100) and the sensor signals of the detection means S1-S3, as indicated by equations G2.The calculation of the other force components FK1, FK2 and thus the quantities of goods to be distributed or the filling weights in the container chambers 11B, 11A can be calculated analogously.

[0045] Fig. 5 shows a calculation principle of a storage container unit 10 with asymmetrical or differently designed container chambers 11A, 11B. In particular, it can be seen that the lower outlets of the container chambers 11A, 11B are asymmetrical. As can also be seen, based on the center of gravity information, several container centers of gravity SW1A-SW2C are specified for each of the two container chambers 11A, 11B, which are located along a center of gravity line 110A, 110B assigned to the respective container chambers 11A, 11B. The number of specified container centers of gravity SW1A-SW2C is only an example. In other exemplary embodiments, more or fewer specified container centers of gravity SW1A-SW2C would also be conceivable. The respective current container center of gravity SW1A-SW2C depends on the current fill level or the currently held quantity of distribution material located in the respective container chamber 11A, 11B.In this exemplary embodiment, it is clearly evident that, as the fill level changes, the position and / or location of the container centers of gravity SW1A-SW2C change not only along or corresponding to the Z-axis and / or the gravitational vector V, but also at least partially along or corresponding to the X-axis (perpendicular to the gravitational vector V). Alternatively or additionally, the container chambers 11A, 11B can also be designed such that the position and / or location of the container centers of gravity SW1A-SW2C change along or corresponding to the Y-axis.

[0046] The evaluation device 200 is additionally configured to determine the individual quantities of distribution material held within the respective container chambers 11A, 11B based on repetitive, in particular iterative, calculation operations. With each iteration step, the evaluation device 200 assumes a different position and / or location of the container center of gravity SW1A-SW2C. The particularly iterative calculation operations are repeated until the respective quantities of distribution material or fill weights are determined at least approximately correctly. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the evaluation device 200 determines and / or specifies an initial density for the respective distribution materials to calculate the quantities of distribution material, which is taken into account within the calculation operations.

[0047] It is understood that the features mentioned in the previously described embodiments are not limited to these specific combinations and are also possible in any other combinations. Furthermore, it is understood that the geometries shown in the figures are only examples and are also possible in any other configurations. List of reference symbols

[0048] 10 Storage container unit

[0049] 100 distribution machine

[0050] 11A First storage container, first container chamber

[0051] 110A, 110B Center of gravity lines of the respective container chambers

[0052] 111A-111C Outlet openings

[0053] 112A-112C Dosing devices

[0054] 11 B Second storage container, second container chamber

[0055] 11C Third reservoir, third reservoir chamber

[0056] 20 frames

[0057] 21 Drawbar

[0058] 22 wheels

[0059] 200 evaluation device

[0060] 201 signal lines

[0061] A1 Common axis, longitudinal axis of the storage container unit

[0062] A2 Center of gravity axis a, b, c, d, e, f, x distances

[0063] F Direction of travel

[0064] FK1, FK2, FK3 force components

[0065] G1 , G2 equations

[0066] K Global coordinate system

[0067] Is1 , Is2, Is3 distances

[0068] Ik1 distances

[0069] S1 First detection device, first weighing sensor

[0070] SW1-SW3 container centers of gravity

[0071] SW1A-SW2C Container centers of gravity at different fill levels

[0072] S2 Second detection device, second weighing sensor

[0073] S3 Third detection device, third weighing sensor

[0074] V Gravitational vector

[0075] B Angle between longitudinal axis and center of gravity axis

Claims

[Patent claims] Agricultural spreading machine (100) for spreading material on an agricultural area, comprising; - at least one storage container unit (10) which is subdivided into several storage containers (11A-11C), in particular container chambers, and is intended for storing distribution material; and - Several detection means (S1-S3), preferably of the same type and / or designed like weighing sensors, which are assigned to the storage container unit (10) and are configured to detect the distributed material located in the storage container unit (10); characterized by an evaluation device (200) which is configured to determine the individual quantities of distributed material within the respective storage containers (11A-11C), in particular container chambers, on the basis of the detection means (S1-S3) and taking into account center of gravity information assigned to the respective storage containers (11A-11C), which can be stored and / or predefined electronically. Distributing machine (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective current position and / or location of a container center of gravity (SW1-SW3) on the distributing machine (100), which depends in particular on the quantity of distributed material, can be determined and / or predefined on the basis of the center of gravity information.Distribution machine (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the storage containers (11A-11C), in particular container chambers, are arranged such that their container centers of gravity (SW1-SW3), in particular with respect to a common axis (A1) pointing at least approximately transversely or in the direction of travel (F), are laterally offset. Distribution machine (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the evaluation device (200) is configured to calculate the individual quantities of distributed material on the basis of a force and / or moment equilibrium, wherein the force and / or moment equilibrium is determined by the following factors: Moment equilibrium is preferably determinable based on at least one predefinable center of gravity axis (A2), which particularly preferably intersects the center of gravity (SW1-SW3) of at least one storage container (11A-11C), especially a container chamber, in at least one plane. Method for operating an agricultural spreading machine (100), which is intended for spreading material on an agricultural area, comprising the step: - Detection of the distributed material by means of several detection means (S1-S3), preferably of the same type and / or designed in the manner of weighing sensors, which are assigned to a storage container unit (10) of the distribution machine (100), wherein the distributed material is in several storage containers (11A- 11C), in particular container chambers into which the storage container unit (10) is subdivided; characterized by an evaluation device (200) which is configured to determine the individual quantities of distributed material within the respective storage containers (11A-11C), in particular container chambers, on the basis of the detection means (S1-S3) and taking into account center of gravity information assigned to the respective storage containers (11A-11C), which is stored and / or specified electronically. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the respective current position and / or location of a container center of gravity (SW1-SW3) on the distribution machine (100), which depends in particular on the quantity of distributed material, is determined and / or specified on the basis of the center of gravity information. Method according to claim 6, characterized by at least one of the following steps: - Determining and / or specifying a force and / or moment equilibrium based on the distributed material detected via the detection means (S1-S3) and the center of gravity information, in particular the position and / or location of the respective container centers of gravity (SW1-SW3); and / or - Determining the individual quantities of distributed material located in the respective storage containers (11 A-11 C), in particular container chambers, based on the force and / or moment equilibrium. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the force and / or moment equilibrium with respect to at least one container center of gravity (SW1-SW3) is determined and / or predetermined. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the force and / or moment equilibrium with respect to at least one center of gravity axis (A2) is determined and / or predetermined, which defines the container centers of gravity (SW1-SW3) of several storage containers (11 A- 11 C), in particular container chambers, cuts. Method according to at least one of the aforementioned claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the evaluation device (200) is configured to determine the individual quantities of distributed material held within the respective storage containers (11 A-11 C), in particular container chambers, at least approximately, by means of repetitive, in particular iterative, calculation operations, wherein between the, in particular iterative, calculation operations, preferably different positions and / or orientations for at least one container center of gravity (SW1 - SW3) are specified and / or determined, and wherein at least one initial density for the distributed material is particularly preferably specified and / or retrieved.

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