Handling machine comprising a rotatable chassis and a fuel cell

Abstract

The invention relates to a handling machine (1) comprising: - a rotatable chassis; - a lifting arm (7); - a first assembly comprising an electrical energy storage device (9); - a second assembly comprising a fuel cell (10) connected to the electrical energy storage device (9) by a connection circuit (35); and - a third assembly comprising at least one tank (11); one among the first, the second and the third assemblies is fastened to one of the lower and upper structures (2, 3) and the other two of the first, second and third assemblies are fastened to the other of the lower and upper structures (2, 3).

Description

Handling machine with a rotating chassis and a fuel cell

[0001] The invention relates to the field of handling machines comprising a rotating chassis in two parts, that is to say comprising a lower structure and an upper structure mounted in rotation on the lower structure around a vertical axis, a lifting arm which is mounted movably on the upper structure as well as a system for producing and storing electrical energy from hydrogen. Technological background

[0002] Document US6688481 discloses a crane that comprises a two-part rotating chassis with a lower structure and an upper structure rotatably mounted on the lower structure. The crane further comprises a telescopic arm that is articulated on the upper structure of the chassis and an electric motor that is configured to provide propulsion for the crane. In one embodiment, the crane comprises a fuel cell system that is connected to the electric motor in order to supply it with electrical energy. The fuel cell system is disposed on a rear portion of the upper structure of the chassis in order to form a counterweight.

[0003] Such a handling machine is not fully satisfactory. Indeed, in the aforementioned embodiment, the fuel cell constitutes an alternative to the use of a battery. However, in such an architecture, in the absence of a buffer storage device to store the surplus energy produced by the fuel cell and restore it during an increase in the vehicle's power demand, the fuel cell must be controlled so that the power produced adapts in real time to the power demand of the electric motor, which can prematurely damage the fuel cell and also proves difficult to implement in practice, particularly given the low responsiveness to power change requests from the fuel cells.Furthermore, the aforementioned document does not contain any information regarding the arrangement of the hydrogen tank intended to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell or regarding the measures to ensure the safety of such handling machinery. Summary

[0004] An idea underlying the invention is to propose a handling machine comprising a rotating chassis, equipped with a system for producing and storing electrical energy from hydrogen offering increased flexibility of use and in which the arrangement of the components of said system for producing and storing electrical energy is adapted to the structural characteristics of such a machine so as to guarantee increased safety.

[0005] According to a first subject, the invention relates to a handling machine comprising:- a chassis comprising a lower structure and an upper structure rotatably mounted on the lower structure about a vertical axis;- a lifting arm which is movably mounted on the upper structure;- a first assembly comprising an electrical energy storage device,- a second assembly comprising a fuel cell which is configured to generate electrical energy intended to be stored in the electrical energy storage device, said fuel cell being electrically connected to the electrical energy storage device by a connection circuit; and- a third assembly comprising at least one tank intended to contain hydrogen and connected to the fuel cell by a supply line in order to supply it with hydrogen;said supply line comprising a pressure regulator, an upstream portion connecting the tank and the pressure regulator and a downstream portion connecting the pressure regulator and the fuel cell; wherein one of the first, second and third assemblies is fixed to one of the lower and upper structures and the other two of the first, second and third assemblies are fixed to the other of the lower and upper structures; wherein the pressure regulator and the upstream portion of the supply line are fixed to that of the lower and upper structures on which the third assembly is fixed; and wherein the handling machine comprises a rotating joint connecting the lower structure and the upper structure and through which the downstream portion of the supply line and / or the connection circuit passes.;

[0006] Thanks to the aforementioned characteristics, the three aforementioned assemblies are distributed over the two lower and upper structures, which makes it possible in particular to optimize the capacities of the tank(s) and the electrical energy storage device. In addition, since the pressure regulator and the upstream portion of the supply line are fixed to the same lower or upper structure as the tank, the upstream portion of the supply line, i.e. its "high pressure" portion, which is the most critical with regard to fire risks, is located only on one of the lower and upper structures. This avoids passing this high pressure portion between the lower and upper structures and thus offers increased safety.

[0007] According to embodiments, such a handling machine may have one or more of the following characteristics.

[0008] According to one embodiment, one of the first, second and third assemblies is fixed to the upper structure and the other two of the first, second and third assemblies are fixed to the lower structure and housed in a first box and a second box of said lower structure. Such an arrangement makes it possible to separate the electrical energy storage device from the tank and the fuel cell, which keeps it away from hydrogen leaks that may occur and further limits the risk of fire. This also isolates the electrical energy storage device from the heat generated by the fuel cell and thus limits the risk of overheating of said electrical energy storage device.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the first box and the second box are arranged in the lower structure on either side of a median longitudinal plane of the handling machine. This contributes to the lateral balancing of the handling machine.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the handling machine comprises a driver's cab mounted on the upper structure and whichever of the first, second and third assemblies is attached to the upper structure and said driver's cab are positioned on either side of the lifting arm. This also contributes to the lateral balancing of the handling machine.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the first assembly, the second assembly and the connection circuit are fixed to the lower structure, the third assembly, the pressure regulator and the upstream portion of the supply line being fixed to the upper structure and the downstream portion of the supply line passing through the rotating joint. Such an arrangement allows the use of one or more tanks having a larger capacity than when they must be housed inside the lower structure, which consequently improves the autonomy of the handling machine.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the first assembly, the third assembly, the pressure regulator and the upstream portion of the supply line are fixed to the lower structure, the second assembly being fixed to the upper structure and the downstream portion of the supply line and the connection circuit passing through the rotating joint. Thus, the tank can be housed in a box, which provides excellent protection against falling objects.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the second assembly, the third assembly and the supply line are fixed to the lower structure, the first assembly being fixed to the upper structure and the connection circuit passing through the rotating joint. Thus, the tank can be housed in a box, which provides excellent protection against falling objects.

[0014] According to other embodiments, one of the first, second and third assemblies is fixed to the lower structure and the other two of the first, second and third assemblies are fixed to the upper structure and housed in a first box and a second box of said upper structure. Such an arrangement also makes it possible to separate the electrical energy storage device from the tank and the fuel cell.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the first box and the second box are arranged in the upper structure on either side of the lifting arm. This contributes to the lateral balancing of the handling machine.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the first assembly, the third assembly, the pressure regulator and the upstream portion of the supply line are fixed to the upper structure, the second assembly being fixed to the lower structure and the downstream portion of the supply line and the connection circuit passing through the rotating joint.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first assembly, the second assembly and the connection circuit are fixed to the upper structure, the third assembly, the pressure regulator and the upstream portion of the supply line being fixed to the lower structure, the downstream portion of the supply line passing through the rotating joint.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the second assembly, the third assembly, the pressure regulator and the supply line are fixed to the upper structure, the first assembly being fixed to the lower structure and the connection circuit passing through the rotating joint.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the handling machine comprises a front axle and a rear axle which are mounted on the lower structure and each comprising two wheels.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first box and the second box are located between the front axle and the rear axle.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the electrical energy storage device comprises one or more batteries and / or one or more supercapacitors.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the handling machine comprises several tanks.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the or each tank is a pressurized hydrogen tank suitable for storing hydrogen at a maximum pressure of between 300 and 700 bars.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the second assembly comprises a compressor for compressing the combustion air at the inlet of the fuel cell as well as a cooling device for cooling the fuel cell.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the handling machine comprises at least two electric motors respectively configured to move the lifting arm and move the handling machine, said electric motors being fixed to the lower structure and being connected to the fuel cell and to the electrical energy storage device by an energy distribution device.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the handling machine comprises two electric motors which are respectively coupled to the front axle and to the rear axle by a transmission device, said electric motors being connected to the fuel cell and to the electrical energy storage device by an energy distribution device.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the handling machine comprises an electric motor which is coupled to the front axle and to the rear axle by a transmission device, said electric motor being fixed to the lower structure and connected to the fuel cell and to the electrical energy storage device by an energy distribution device.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the motor for actuating the lifting arm is a motor driving a hydraulic pump, the hydraulic pump being connected to one or more hydraulic cylinders arranged to move the lifting arm. Brief description of the figures

[0029] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] This is a schematic side view of a handling machine according to a first embodiment.

[0031] This is a schematic top view of the handling machine according to the first embodiment.

[0032] This is a schematic view of the electrical circuit of the first embodiment.

[0033] This is a schematic view of the hydrogen circuit of the first embodiment.

[0034] This is a schematic side view of a handling machine according to a second embodiment.

[0035] This is a schematic top view of the handling machine according to the second embodiment.

[0036] This is a schematic view of the hydrogen circuit of the second embodiment.

[0037] This is a schematic view of the electrical circuit of the second embodiment.

[0038] This is a schematic side view of a handling machine according to a third embodiment.

[0039] This is a schematic top view of the handling machine according to the third embodiment.

[0040] This is a schematic view of the hydrogen circuit of the third embodiment.

[0041] This is a schematic view of the electrical circuit of the third embodiment.

[0042] This is a schematic side view of a handling machine according to a fourth embodiment.

[0043] This is a schematic view from behind of the handling machine according to the fourth embodiment.

[0044] This is a schematic view from behind of a handling machine according to a fifth embodiment.

[0045] This is a schematic view from behind of a handling machine according to a sixth embodiment.

[0046] This is a schematic illustration of a rotating joint through which the hydrogen circuit passes.

[0047] By convention, the “longitudinal” direction of the handling machine 1 corresponds to the front-rear orientation of the machine. Also, the “longitudinal” direction of the upper structure 3 of the chassis corresponds to said front-rear orientation of the handling machine 1 when the upper structure 3 is in a configuration in which its rotation angle relative to the lower structure 2 is zero. Furthermore, the “transverse” direction is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0048] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, a handling machine 1 is described according to a first embodiment. The handling machine 1 comprises a mobile chassis. More particularly, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the chassis comprises a lower structure 2 and an upper structure 3 which is rotatably mounted on the lower structure 2 about a vertical axis R. The handling machine 1 comprises two axles, a front axle 4 and a rear axle 5, which are each fixed to the lower structure 2 along a transverse axis and are each equipped with two wheels, one on the left and the other on the right. At least one of the two front axles 4 and rear axles 5 is rotatably mounted about its axis in order to ensure the movement of the chassis. The front axles 4 and rear axles 5 can also be fixed to the lower structure 2 with a possibility of movement about the longitudinal axis so as to compensate for the tilt of the handling machine 1.

[0049] Furthermore, the handling machine 1 comprises a driver's cab 6 in which a driver can sit and which is in particular equipped with a seat, not shown, and equipment for controlling the handling machine 1. The driver's cab 6 is fixed to the upper structure 3. The handling machine 1 also comprises a lifting arm 7 which is, for example, a telescopic arm. In this case, the handling machine 1 may in particular be a telescopic forklift. The lifting arm 7 is mounted articulated on the upper structure 3 of the chassis so as to be pivotable about a transverse pivot axis P. The lifting arm 7 extends in a median longitudinal plane of the upper structure 3. The lifting arm 7 may be produced in different ways, in particular in the form of several telescopic sections or alternatively in the form of an arm of fixed length.One end of the lifting arm 7 opposite the pivot axis P may carry a working tool 8 or a modular tool holder capable of receiving working tools 8 of several types. By working tool 8 is meant, for example, a pair of forks, a bucket, a winch, a clamp or others.

[0050] The handling machine 1 comprises one or more linear actuators, not shown, such as hydraulic cylinders, which are each mounted articulated, on the one hand, on the lifting arm 7 and, on the other hand, on the upper structure 3, which makes it possible to pivot the lifting arm 7, relative to the upper structure 3, around the pivot axis P. The hydraulic cylinders are connected to a hydraulic circuit equipped with a hydraulic pump which is driven by a motor, such as an electric motor, also not shown in Figures 1 and 2. The hydraulic pump as well as the electric motor are, for example, fixed to the upper structure 3. They can in particular be housed in a space provided under the driver's cab 6.

[0051] Furthermore, the handling machine 1 comprises at least one electric motor, also not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which is configured to ensure the movement of the handling machine 1. The electric motor(s) are, for example, housed between two longitudinal side members of the lower structure 2 which extend parallel to the median longitudinal axis, respectively on either side of said median longitudinal axis.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the handling machine 1 comprises two electric motors which ensure its movement and which are each mounted in a space positioned inside the lower structure 2. In this case, each electric motor is coupled to one of the front 4 or rear 5 axles via a transmission device comprising, for example, a reducer and a differential. Thus, the handling machine 1 has four drive wheels. Alternatively, the transmission device is a hydraulic transmission device. In such a case, the electric motor(s) may be mounted inside the lower structure 2 of the chassis or even inside the upper structure 3. In the latter case, the handling machine comprises a rotating joint which is configured to ensure the transmission of hydraulic fluid from the upper structure 3 to the lower structure 2.

[0053] The handling machine 1 further comprises a system for producing and storing electrical energy from hydrogen to supply electrical energy to at least one and preferably all of the aforementioned electric motors. The system for producing and storing electrical energy comprises the following three assemblies: - a first assembly comprising an electrical energy storage device 9, - a second assembly comprising a fuel cell 10 which is configured to generate electrical energy intended to be stored in the electrical energy storage device 9, and - a third assembly comprising at least one tank 11 intended to contain hydrogen and which is connected to the fuel cell 10.

[0054] The electrical energy storage device 9 comprises one or more batteries and / or one or more supercapacitors.

[0055] In a manner known per se, the fuel cell 10 is the site of an oxidation-reduction reaction which transforms the hydrogen coming from the tank 11 and the oxygen in the air into electricity, water and heat. Advantageously, the second assembly also comprises a compressor, not shown, making it possible to compress the combustion air at the inlet of the cells of the fuel cell 10 as well as a cooling device, also not shown, making it possible to cool the fuel cell 10.

[0056] The or each tank 11 is, for example, suitable for storing hydrogen in the gaseous state at a maximum pressure of between 300 and 700 bars, for example of the order of 350 bars.

[0057] Schematically illustrates the electrical equipment of the handling machine 1 as well as the corresponding circuit. The fuel cell 10 is connected to the electrical energy storage device 9 and to one or more electrical energy consuming equipment 12, 13 by a connection circuit 35 equipped with an energy distribution device 14. The energy distribution device 14 comprises in particular a DC / DC voltage converter which makes it possible to convert the voltage level delivered by the fuel cell 10 to the voltage level required by the electrical energy storage device 9 and by the electrical energy consuming equipment 12, 13.The energy distribution device 14 is further configured to conduct the electrical energy produced by the fuel cell 10 to the electrical energy storage device 9, to one or more of the energy consuming equipment 12, 13 or to distribute the power between the electrical energy storage device 9 and the electrical energy consuming equipment(s) 12, 13. The electrical energy consuming equipment may in particular comprise one or more electric motors 12 configured to ensure the movement of the handling machine 1 and / or an electric motor 13 driving a hydraulic pump to power the hydraulic cylinders making it possible to move the lifting arm 7.

[0058] Illustrates a hydrogen circuit according to one embodiment. The hydrogen circuit comprises a filling line 15 which is equipped with a chute 16 intended to receive a filling nozzle of a hydrogen refueling station and which leads to an inlet valve 17 leading to one or more tanks 11. The hydrogen circuit also comprises a supply line 18 intended to conduct the hydrogen from the tank 11 to the fuel cell 10. The supply line 18 comprises a pressure regulator 19 which makes it possible to reduce the pressure in order to supply the fuel cell 10 with hydrogen having a pressure compatible with its operation, that is to say lower than that at which it is stored in the tank 11.By convention, the portion of the supply line 18 which is arranged upstream of the pressure regulator 19 is designated high pressure portion 20 while the portion arranged downstream of the latter is designated low pressure portion 21. Furthermore, the hydrogen circuit comprises a drain circuit 22 which makes it possible to empty the contents of the tank(s) 11, in particular in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the hydrogen circuit comprises a pressure limiter circuit 23 which is connected to the low pressure portion 21 and which is equipped with a pressure limiter valve 24. The pressure limiter valve 24 is configured to evacuate the hydrogen circulating in the low pressure portion 21 when its pressure is higher than its set pressure, which makes it possible to protect the fuel cell 10.

[0059] Returning to Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the electrical energy storage device 9 and the fuel cell 10 are fixed to the lower structure 2 while the tanks 11 are fixed to the upper structure 3. More particularly, the electrical energy storage device 9 and the fuel cell 10 are respectively housed in a first box and a second box of the lower structure 2. The first box and the second box are respectively arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the handling machine 1. Furthermore, the tank(s) 11 are fixed to the upper structure 3, on the side opposite the driver's cab 6, i.e. on the right side in the embodiment shown. In other words, the tank(s) 11 and the driver's cab 6 are positioned on either side of the lifting arm 7.Advantageously, according to an embodiment not shown, the handling machine 1 is equipped with a protective metal structure which is fixed to the upper structure 3 and positioned above the tank(s) 11 so as to protect them against falling objects.

[0060] In Figures 3 and 4, the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3 of the chassis are represented by dotted line polygons. As shown in the, the pressure regulator 19 is, like the tank(s) 11, fixed to the upper structure 3. Thus, the high pressure portion 20 of the supply line 18, which is the most critical with regard to safety and in particular the risk of fire, is located only on the upper structure 3. This avoids passing the high pressure portion 20 between the lower 2 and upper 3 structures and thus offers increased safety. Also, as shown in the, the low pressure portion 21 of the supply line 18 passes through a rotating joint 25 which is configured to allow the transmission of hydrogen from the upper structure 3 to the lower structure 2.

[0061] As an example, a rotating joint 25 according to a possible embodiment is shown in the. The rotating joint 25 comprises a frame 26 which has a recess in which a shaft 27 is fitted. The shaft 27 is mounted for rotation about the axis of rotation R, here by means of a pair of rolling bearings 28, 29. In the embodiment shown, the shaft 27 is rotationally fixed to the upper structure 3 while the frame 26 is rotationally fixed to the lower structure 2. According to another variant, the structure is reversed, that is to say that the shaft 27 and the frame 26 are respectively rotationally fixed to the lower structure 2 and to the upper structure 3. The shaft 27 comprises a channel 30, one end of which is intended to be connected to an upstream part of the low-pressure portion 21 of the supply line 18, that is to say that which is arranged on the upper structure 3 of the chassis.The channel opens into an annular groove 31 formed on an external surface of the shaft 27. Furthermore, the frame 26 also comprises a channel 32 which opens opposite the annular groove 31 and which is intended to be connected to a downstream part of the low pressure portion 21 of the supply line 18, that is to say that which is arranged on the lower structure 2 of the chassis. Furthermore, the rotating joint 25 comprises two annular seals 33, 34 which are housed in grooves formed in the frame 26 on either side of the annular groove 31.

[0062] In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the tank(s) 11 are not housed in a closed enclosure, which avoids the creation of gas pockets in the event of a leak from a tank 11. Finally, this arrangement avoids the transmission of the energy produced by the fuel cell 10 through the rotating joint 25, which simplifies its design and avoids passing both hydrogen and the electrical energy produced by the fuel cell 10 through the rotating joint 25, which increases safety.

[0063] With reference to Figures 5 to 8, a handling machine 1 is described according to a second embodiment. This embodiment differs from that described above in relation to Figures 1 to 4 by the arrangement of the electrical energy storage device 9, the fuel cell 10 and the tank(s) 11. In this embodiment, the electrical energy storage device 9 and the tank(s) 11 are fixed to the lower structure 2 while the fuel cell 10 is fixed to the upper structure 3. More particularly, the electrical energy storage device 9 and the tank(s) 11 are respectively housed in a first box and a second box of the lower structure 2. As in the first embodiment, the first box and the second box are respectively arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the handling machine 1.Furthermore, the fuel cell 10 is fixed to the upper chassis 3, on the side opposite the driver's cab 6, i.e. on the right side in the embodiment shown. Advantageously, according to an embodiment not shown, the handling machine 1 is equipped with a protective metal structure which is positioned above the fuel cell 10 and which makes it possible to protect it against falling objects.

[0064] As shown in the, the pressure regulator 19 is mounted with the tank(s) 11 on the lower structure 2. Thus, the high pressure portion 20 of the supply line 18, which is the most critical with regard to safety and in particular the risk of fire, is located only on the lower structure 2, which also avoids passing this high pressure portion 20 between the lower 2 and upper 3 structures and thus offers increased safety. Also, the low pressure portion 21 of the supply line 18 passes through a rotating joint 25 configured to allow the transmission of hydrogen from the lower structure 2 to the upper structure 3.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in the, the connection circuit 35 which connects the fuel cell 10 to the energy distribution device 14 also passes through the rotating joint 25. The rotating joint 25 is then further configured to allow the transmission of electricity between the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3. To do this, by way of example, the shaft 27 of the rotating joint 25 comprises two conductive rings which are each electrically connected to a terminal of the fuel cell 10 while the frame 26 comprises two brushes cooperating respectively with one and the other of the two conductive rings and connected to the energy distribution device 14.

[0066] The embodiment of figures 5 to 8 is particularly advantageous in that the tank(s) 11 are housed in a box, which in particular offers excellent protection against falling objects.

[0067] With reference to Figures 9 to 12, a handling machine 1 is described according to a third embodiment. This embodiment differs from those described above by the arrangement of the electrical energy storage device, the fuel cell 10 and the tank(s) 11. In this embodiment, the fuel cell 10 and the tank(s) 11 are fixed to the lower structure 2 while the electrical energy storage device 9 is fixed to the upper structure 3. The fuel cell 10 and the tank(s) 11 are respectively housed in a first box and a second box of the lower structure 2. Advantageously, according to an embodiment not shown, the handling machine 1 is equipped with a protective metal structure which is fixed to the upper structure 3 and positioned above the electrical energy storage device 9 which makes it possible to protect it against falling objects.

[0068] As shown in the figure, the entire hydrogen circuit and in particular the high pressure portion 20 of the supply line 18 are located on the lower structure 2, which also avoids passing this high pressure portion 20 between the lower 2 and upper 3 structures and thus offers increased safety.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in the, the connection circuit 35 which connects the fuel cell 10 to the energy distribution device 14 then passes through the rotating joint 25. The rotating joint 25 is then configured to allow the transmission of electricity between the lower structure 2 and the upper structure 3, as in the previous embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0070] In the embodiment of figures 9 to 12, the tank(s) 11 are housed in a box, which in particular offers excellent protection against falling objects.

[0071] Figures 13 to 16 illustrate a handling machine 1 according to other embodiments. In these embodiments, the handling machine 1 is a platform for lifting people. Such a handling machine 1 differs in particular from that described previously in that a nacelle intended to receive one or more people is fixed to the end of the lifting arm 7. In addition, such a handling machine 1 is devoid of a driver's cab. It follows from the aforementioned structure that the upper structure 3 has more space available to receive equipment of the electrical energy production and storage system than the lower structure 2.Also, whereas in the previous embodiments, two of the three assemblies of the electrical energy production and storage system were fixed to the lower structure 2, in the embodiments which are represented in Figures 13 to 16, two of the three assemblies of the electrical energy production and storage system are fixed to the upper structure 3.

[0072] In the embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14, the electrical energy storage device 9 and the tank(s) 11 are fixed to the upper structure 3 while the fuel cell 10 is mounted inside the lower structure 2. More particularly, the electrical energy storage device 9 and the tank(s) 11 are respectively housed in a first box and a second box of the upper structure 3. The first box and the second box are in this case arranged on either side of the lifting arm 7. The pressure regulator 19 is mounted with the tank(s) 11 on the upper frame. As in the embodiment of Figures 5 to 8, the low pressure portion 21 of the supply line 18 as well as the connection circuit 35 which connects the fuel cell 10 to the energy distribution device 14 pass through the rotating joint 25.

[0073] In the embodiment of the, the electrical energy storage device 9 and the fuel cell 10 are fixed to the upper structure 3 and respectively housed in a first and a second box arranged on either side of the lifting arm 7 while the tank(s) 11 is mounted inside the lower structure 2. The pressure regulator 19 is mounted with the tank(s) 11 on the lower structure 2. Also, as in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the low pressure portion 21 of the supply line 18 passes through the rotating joint 25.

[0074] In the embodiment of the, the fuel cell 10 and the tank(s) 11 are fixed to the upper structure 3 while the electrical energy storage device 9 is fixed to the lower structure 2. The pressure regulator 19 is also mounted with the tank(s) 11 on the upper frame. As in the embodiment of Figures 9 to 12, the connection circuit 35 which connects the fuel cell 10 to the energy distribution device 14 then passes through the rotary joint 25 and there is no hydrogen to pass through said rotary joint 25.

[0075] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is in no way limited thereto and that it includes all technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

[0076] The use of the verb "comprise", "comprise" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those set out in a claim.

[0077] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

Handling machine (1) comprising: - a chassis having a lower structure (2) and an upper structure (3) rotatably mounted on the lower structure (2) about a vertical axis; - a lifting arm (7) which is movably mounted on the upper structure (3); - a first assembly comprising an electrical energy storage device (9); - a second assembly comprising a fuel cell (10) which is configured to generate electrical energy intended to be stored in the electrical energy storage device (9), said fuel cell (10) being electrically connected to the electrical energy storage device (9) by a connecting circuit (35); and - a third assembly comprising at least one tank (11) intended to contain hydrogen and connected to the fuel cell (10) by a supply line (18) in order to supply it with hydrogen;said supply line (18) comprising a pressure regulator (19), an upstream portion (20) connecting the tank (11) and the pressure regulator (19) and a downstream portion (21) connecting the pressure regulator (19) and the fuel cell (10); wherein one of the first, second and third assemblies is fixed to one of the lower and upper structures (2, 3) and the other two of the first, second and third assemblies are fixed to the other of the lower and upper structures (2, 3); wherein the pressure regulator (19) and the upstream portion (20) of the supply line (18) are fixed to that of the lower (2) and upper (3) structures on which the third assembly is fixed;and in which the handling machine (1) has a rotary joint (25) connecting the lower structure (2) and the upper structure (3), the downstream portion (21) of the supply line (18) passing through said rotary joint (25) when the second and third assemblies are respectively fixed to one and the other of the lower and upper structures (2, 3) and / or the connecting circuit (35) passing through said rotary joint (25) when the second and first assemblies are respectively fixed to one and the other of the lower and upper structures (2, 3).; Handling machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein one of the first, second and third sets is fixed to the upper structure (3) and the other two of the first, second and third sets are fixed to the lower structure (2) and housed in a first box and a second box of said lower structure (2). Handling machine (1) according to claim 2, in which the first box and the second box are provided in the lower structure (2) on either side of a median longitudinal plane of the handling machine (1). Handling machine (1) according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a driver's cab (6) mounted on the upper structure (3) and in which the first, second and third assembly which is fixed to the upper structure (3) and said driver's cab (6) are positioned on either side of the lifting arm (7). Handling machine (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first assembly, the second assembly and the connecting circuit (35) are fixed to the lower structure (2), the third assembly, the pressure regulator (19) and the upstream portion (20) of the supply line (18) being fixed to the upper structure (3) and the downstream portion (21) of the supply line (18) passing through the rotary joint (25). Handling machine (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first assembly, the third assembly, the pressure regulator (19) and the upstream portion (20) of the supply line (18) are fixed to the lower structure (2), the second assembly being fixed to the upper structure (3) and wherein the downstream portion (21) of the supply line (18) and the connecting circuit (35) pass through the rotary joint (25). Handling machine (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second assembly, the third assembly, and the supply line (18) are fixed to the lower structure (2), the first assembly being fixed to the upper structure (3) and the connecting circuit (35) passing through the rotary joint (25). Handling machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein one of the first, second and third sets is fixed to the lower structure (2) and the other two of the first, second and third sets are fixed to the upper structure (3) and housed in a first box and a second box of said upper structure (3). Handling machine (1) according to claim 8, in which the first box and the second box are provided in the upper structure (2) on either side of the lifting arm (7). Handling machine (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first assembly, the third assembly, the pressure regulator (19) and the upstream portion (20) of the supply line (18) are fixed to the upper structure (3), the second assembly being fixed to the lower structure (2) and wherein the downstream portion (21) of the supply line (18) and the connecting circuit (35) pass through the rotary joint (25). Handling machine (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first assembly, the second assembly and the connecting circuit (35) are fixed to the upper structure (3), wherein the third assembly, the pressure regulator (19) and the upstream portion (20) of the supply line (18) are fixed to the lower structure (2), the downstream portion (21) of the supply line (18) passing through the rotary joint (25). Handling machine (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the second assembly, the third assembly, the pressure regulator (19) and the supply line (18) are fixed to the upper structure (3), the first assembly being fixed to the lower structure (2) and wherein the connecting circuit (35) passes through the rotary joint (25).

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