HANDLING MACHINE WITH A CONTAINER FOR HYDROGEN RECEIPT

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of handling machines comprising a load handling device and a tank intended to contain hydrogen. Technological background

[0002] US patent 6688481 discloses a crane comprising a chassis, a telescopic boom articulated on the chassis, and an electric motor configured to propel the crane. In one embodiment, the crane includes a fuel cell system connected to the electric motor to supply it with electrical power. The fuel cell system is located on the rear of the vehicle chassis to form a counterweight. US patent 6688481 discloses the preamble to claim 1.

[0003] Such a handling machine is not entirely satisfactory, particularly in that the aforementioned arrangement of the fuel cell system does not allow for effective protection of the hydrogen tank against shocks, which, along with fires, constitute the main causes of tank explosions. Summary

[0004] One idea behind the invention is to propose a handling machine comprising a tank intended to contain hydrogen and which offers enhanced safety.

[0005] According to a first object, the invention relates to a handling machine comprising: a chassis having a median longitudinal axis and comprising two longitudinal side members extending on either side of the median longitudinal axis; a load handling device which is movably mounted on the chassis; a driver's cab which is fixed to the chassis and is positioned on one side of the chassis relative to the median longitudinal axis of the chassis; at least one tank intended to contain hydrogen; and a hydrogen-consuming equipment which is connected to the tank by a supply line and which is selected from a fuel cell and a hydrogen internal combustion engine, the handling machine being characterized in that: the tank is housed in the chassis, between the two longitudinal side members;in that it comprises a box which is fixed to the chassis and is arranged on a second side of the chassis, opposite to the first side, with respect to the median longitudinal axis, and in which the hydrogen-consuming equipment is housed within the box.

[0006] Thus, the arrangement of the tank in the chassis, between the two longitudinal rails, offers excellent protection against falling objects and side impacts.

[0007] Depending on the embodiment, such a handling machine may have one or more of the following characteristics.

[0008] In one embodiment, the tank is a pressurized hydrogen tank suitable for storing hydrogen at a maximum pressure between 300 and 700 bar. In another embodiment, the tank is a storage tank for hydrogen in the form of hydrides. In yet another embodiment, the tank is a storage tank for hydrogen in liquid form.

[0009] In one embodiment, the supply line connecting the tank to the hydrogen-consuming equipment includes a pressure regulator. The pressure regulator, as well as an upstream portion of the supply line connecting the pressure regulator to the tank, are housed within the chassis, between the two longitudinal members. This ensures the protection of the portion of the supply line most critical to the risk of explosion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the supply line includes a bulkhead fitting housed in an opening in one of the two longitudinal members, allowing the supply line to pass through said longitudinal member. This facilitates the installation of the hydrogen system, and in particular the supply line when it is intended to connect a tank located in the chassis to hydrogen-consuming equipment located in the cargo box. It also prevents, or at least limits, the passage of gas between the inside of the chassis and the inside of the cargo box in the event of a leak from the tank, the hydrogen-consuming equipment, and / or the hydrogen system.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the handling machine includes at least one electric motor that is configured to move the handling machine or operate the load handling device, and the hydrogen-consuming equipment is a fuel cell that is configured to generate electrical energy to power the electric motor.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the handling machine includes an electrical energy storage device, the fuel cell and the electrical energy storage device being electrically connected, on the one hand, to each other, and, on the other hand, in parallel to the electric motor.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the electrical energy storage device comprises one or more batteries and / or one or more supercapacitors.

[0014] In one embodiment, the electrical energy storage device is housed in a compartment located beneath the driver's cab. This arrangement separates the electrical energy storage device from the tank and the fuel cell, thus isolating it from potential hydrogen leaks and further reducing the risk of fire. It also isolates the electrical energy storage device from the heat generated by the fuel cell, thereby limiting the risk of overheating.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the handling machine further includes a DC / DC voltage converter which is connected, on the one hand, to the fuel cell and, on the other hand, to the electric motor and the electrical energy storage device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the DC / DC voltage converter is housed in a compartment located under the driver's cab. This protects the voltage converter from shocks, isolates it from any hydrogen leaks that might occur in the chassis or body, and shields it from the heat generated by the fuel cell.

[0017] According to one embodiment, at least one reservoir has the shape of a cylinder of revolution around a central axis, the reservoir being oriented such that the central axis is parallel to the median longitudinal axis.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the handling machine comprises: A front axle and a rear axle are mounted on the chassis transversely to the central longitudinal axis, each with two wheels. A driveshaft connects the front and rear axles to an engine, extending inside the chassis between the two longitudinal members, parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the chassis. At least two hydrogen tanks are housed within the chassis between the two longitudinal members, laterally on either side of the driveshaft. This arrangement optimizes the volume of hydrogen that can be stored when the machine's transmission has a driveshaft with the aforementioned configuration.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the handling machine comprises at least four tanks for containing hydrogen which are housed in the chassis, two of the four tanks having central axes which are arranged above and laterally on either side of the transmission shaft, and the other two tanks having central axes which are arranged below and laterally on either side of the transmission shaft.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the handling machine comprises: a front axle and a rear axle which are mounted on the chassis transversely to the median longitudinal axis and each having two wheels; two electric motors which are respectively coupled to the front axle and the rear axle by a transmission device and are housed inside the chassis respectively at the front and rear of at least one tank.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the load handling device comprises a lifting arm which is articulated to the two longitudinal stringers, between said longitudinal stringers, so as to be movable by pivoting relative to the two longitudinal stringers around a transverse pivot axis.

[0022] In one embodiment, the tank or tanks are attached to the chassis by means of two clamps encircling a cylindrical wall of the tank. Each clamp comprises two parts fastened to each other by fasteners, one of which is attached to a chassis element, such as a longitudinal member or a crossmember connecting the longitudinal members. Such tank fastening means allow for expansion or contraction of the tank along its longitudinal direction.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the tank or each tank has two necks projecting from either end of the tank, the tank being fixed to the chassis by means of two mounting brackets which are respectively fixed around either neck.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, one end of the tank is held fixed relative to the chassis by means of one of the two mounting brackets, while the other end is mounted to slide relative to the other mounting bracket. This allows for expansion or contraction of the tank.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the fuel cell is equipped with an air supply compressor and a humidifying device.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the handling machine includes a cooling device for cooling the fuel cell, said cooling device comprising, for example, a cooling circuit equipped with a heat exchanger, and being housed in the casing.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the handling machine comprises a front axle and a rear axle which are mounted on the chassis transversely to the median longitudinal axis X and each having two wheels.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the driver's cab is located between the front axle and the rear axle.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the box is located between the front axle and the rear axle.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the handling machine comprises at least two motors respectively configured to actuate the load handling device and move the handling machine.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the handling machine comprises two electric motors which are respectively coupled to the front axle and the rear axle by a transmission device.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the handling machine includes an electric motor which is coupled to the front axle and the rear axle by a transmission device.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the motor for operating the load handling device is a motor driving a hydraulic pump, the hydraulic pump being connected to one or more hydraulic cylinders arranged to move a lifting arm of the load handling device.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the load handling device comprises a lifting arm which extends in a longitudinal plane between the box and the driver's cab and which is mounted articulated on the chassis along a transverse pivot axis P.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the lifting arm is a telescopic arm.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the handling machine is a telescopic handler. Brief description of the figures

[0037] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent from the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [ fig.1 ] There figure 1 is a schematic top view of a handling machine according to a first embodiment. fig.2] There figure 2 partially illustrates the handling machine of the figure 1 and in particular its chassis as well as a tank designed to contain hydrogen and which is housed inside said chassis. fig.3 ] There figure 3 illustrates a tank equipped with fastening means for attaching the tank to the chassis according to a first embodiment. fig.4 ] There figure 4 illustrates a tank equipped with fastening means for attaching the tank to the chassis according to a second embodiment. fig.5 ] There figure 5 is a schematic view of a hydrogen circuit according to one embodiment. fig.6 ] There figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a bulkhead fitting allowing a hydrogen circuit to pass through one of the longitudinal chassis rails. fig.7 ] There figure 7 is a view similar to that of the figure 2, partially illustrating a handling machine according to a second embodiment. fig.8 ] There figure 8 is a detailed, cross-sectional view of the material handling machine figure 7 illustrating the arrangement of the tanks in the chassis. fig.9 ] There figure 9 is a schematic top view of a handling machine according to a third embodiment. Description of the implementation methods

[0038] By convention, the "longitudinal" direction of the handling machine corresponds to the front-to-back orientation of the machine. Furthermore, the terms "rear" and "front" are respectively designated "AR" and "AV" on the figures 1, 2 , 7 And 9 These terms are used to define the relative position of one element with respect to another along the longitudinal direction. The "transverse" direction is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0039] With reference to figures 1 and 2 A handling machine 1 is described according to a first embodiment. The handling machine 1 comprises a chassis 2 and a load handling device, here a lifting arm 3, which is movably mounted on the chassis 2. The lifting arm 3 is, for example, a telescopic arm. In this case, the handling machine 1 could, in particular, be a telescopic handler.

[0040] The chassis 2 is mobile. To achieve this, the handling machine 1 has two axles, a front axle 4 and a rear axle 5, each mounted on the chassis 2 along a transverse axis and each equipped with two wheels, one on the left 4a, 5a and the other on the right 4b, 5b. At least one of the two axles, front 4 and rear 5, is mounted to rotate around its axis to allow the chassis to move. The front axle 4 and rear axle 5 can also be mounted on the chassis with the possibility of movement around the longitudinal axis to compensate for any tilting of the handling machine.

[0041] Chassis 2 includes a pair of longitudinal side members 6, 7, visible on the figures 1 and 2The longitudinal stringers 6 and 7 are generally flat, parallel metal pieces extending parallel to the median longitudinal axis X, respectively on either side of said median longitudinal axis X. The longitudinal stringers 6 and 7 are connected to each other by cross members, visible on the figure 2 , so as to form a space 8 allowing the housing of components of the handling machine 1, and in particular one or more tanks 9 intended to contain hydrogen, as detailed below. The space 8 is advantageously closed on its upper part by sheet metal plates, not shown, which are fixed to the longitudinal stringers 6, 7.

[0042] As depicted on the figure 1The lifting arm 3 extends in a longitudinal plane which is preferably median, meaning that the median longitudinal axis X lies within this plane. The lifting arm 3 is articulated to the two longitudinal beams 6 and 7, between them, so that it can pivot about a transverse pivot axis P. The lifting arm 3 can be constructed in various ways, including as several telescopic sections or, alternatively, as a single arm of fixed length. One end of the lifting arm 3 opposite the pivot axis P can carry a working tool 10 or a modular tool holder capable of receiving working tools 10 of various types. A working tool 10 is defined, for example, as a pair of forks, a bucket, a winch, a grapple, or other similar tools.

[0043] Furthermore, the handling machine 1 includes a driver's cab 11 in which an operator can sit and which is equipped with a seat (not shown) and controls for operating the handling machine. The driver's cab 11 is positioned, on one side of the median longitudinal axis X, on the left side in the embodiment shown, and between the front axle 4 and the rear axle 5. The handling machine 1 also includes a box 12 which is positioned relative to the driver's cab 11, on the other side of the median longitudinal axis X of the handling machine 1. More specifically, the box 12 and the driver's cab 11 are positioned on either side of the pair of longitudinal beams 6, 7.

[0044] The handling machine 1 includes one or more linear actuators, not shown, such as hydraulic cylinders, each of which is articulated, on one side, on the lifting arm 3 and, on the other side, on the frame 2 of the handling machine 1, thus allowing the lifting arm 3 to pivot, relative to the frame 2, around the pivot axis P. The hydraulic cylinders are connected to a hydraulic circuit equipped with a hydraulic pump 16, visible on the figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the hydraulic pump 16 is driven by a motor, such as an electric motor 17. The hydraulic pump 16 and the electric motor 17 are housed here in a space provided under the driver's cab 11.

[0045] The handling machine 1 includes at least one electric motor which is configured to move the handling machine 1. In the embodiment shown in the figure 1The handling machine 1 comprises two electric motors 13, 14 which propel it and are each housed inside the chassis 2, between the two longitudinal beams 6, 7. Each electric motor 13, 14 is coupled to one of the front axles 4 or rear axles 5 via a transmission device. Thus, the handling machine 1 has four-wheel drive. In the embodiment shown, each transmission device includes a reduction gear 15 and a differential 16. Alternatively, the transmission device is a hydraulic transmission device.

[0046] The handling machine 1 also includes a power supply system to provide electrical energy to at least one and preferably all of the aforementioned electric motors 13, 14, 16.

[0047] The power supply system includes at least one hydrogen storage tank 9, a fuel cell 18, and an electrical energy storage device 19 comprising one or more batteries and / or one or more supercapacitors. The batteries may be of any known type, for example, lead-acid or, preferably, lithium-ion. The electrical energy storage device 19 is connected to the electric motor(s) 13, 14, 16 in parallel with the fuel cell 18.

[0048] Tank 9 is, for example, suitable for storing hydrogen in gaseous form at a maximum pressure between 300 and 700 bar, for example, around 350 bar. According to another embodiment, tank 9 is suitable for storing hydrogen in solid form as metal hydrides. According to yet another embodiment, tank 9 is suitable for storing hydrogen in liquid form.

[0049] As illustrated on the figures 1 and 2 The tank 9 is housed in the chassis 2 of the handling machine, that is, in the space 8 provided between the two longitudinal beams 6 and 7. This arrangement of the tank 9 offers excellent protection against falling objects and lateral impacts, thus significantly reducing the risk of the tank 9 exploding. In the embodiment shown, the tank 9 has the shape of a cylinder of revolution. Furthermore, the tank 9 is preferably oriented so that the generators of the cylinder of revolution are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the handling machine 1. Preferably, the tank 9 is also positioned between the front axle 4 and the rear axle 5 and between the two electric motors 13 and 14. The tank 9 typically has a volume between 50 and 300 liters, for example, on the order of 100 liters.

[0050] According to one alternative embodiment, shown on the figure 3 The tank 9 is attached to the chassis 2 by means of two clamps 22, 23. The two clamps 22, 23 encircle the cylindrical wall of the tank 9, respectively near one and the other of the two ends of the tank 9. On the figure 6 Each collar 22, 23 comprises two portions 24, 25 which are joined together by fastening elements 26. One of the portions, here referenced as 24, is fixed to a chassis element 2, not shown, for example to one of the longitudinal side members 6, 7 or to a cross member connecting the two longitudinal side members 6, 7. Advantageously, an elastomer strip 27 is interposed radially between each collar 22, 23 and the reservoir 9. Such fastening means allow for contraction or expansion of the reservoir 9.

[0051] There figure 7represents means of attaching the tank 9 to the chassis 2 according to another embodiment. The tank 9 has two collars 28, 29 projecting from either of its two ends. The tank 9 is attached to the chassis 2 by means of two mounting brackets 30, 31 which are respectively mounted around one or the other of the two collars 28, 29 and which are each attached to an element of the chassis 2, not visible in the figure 7, for example, to one of the longitudinal side members 6, 7 or to a cross member connecting the two longitudinal side members 6, 7. One end of the tank 9 is held fixed relative to the chassis 2 by means of one of the two mounting brackets 30, while the other end is mounted to slide relative to the other mounting bracket 31, thus allowing for expansion or contraction of the tank. To achieve this, one of the necks 29 of the tank 9 is mounted to slide inside a ring that is fixed to the second mounting bracket 31. The ring 32 is, for example, made of a plastic material with a low coefficient of friction, such as polyethylene.

[0052] There figure 7This illustrates a hydrogen circuit according to one embodiment. The hydrogen circuit includes a filling line 33 equipped with a chute 34 for receiving a filling nozzle from a hydrogen refueling station and leading to an inlet valve 35 of the tank 9 via a non-return valve 36. The hydrogen circuit also includes a supply line 37 for conveying hydrogen from the tank 9 to the fuel cell 18. The supply line 37 includes a filter 58 and a pressure regulator 38 that reduces the pressure to supply the fuel cell 18 with hydrogen at a pressure compatible with its operation, i.e., lower than that at which it is stored in the tank 9.By convention, the portion of the supply line 37 which is located upstream of the pressure regulator 38 is designated high pressure portion 39 while the portion located downstream of it is designated low pressure portion 40.

[0053] Furthermore, the hydrogen circuit includes a drain circuit 41 which allows the contents of the tank 9 to be emptied, particularly in case of emergency. To this end, the drain circuit 41 is connected to a degassing valve 42 on the tank 9.

[0054] Returning to figures 1 and 2 It can be seen that the fuel cell 18 is advantageously housed inside the casing 12. This arrangement allows the tank 9 to be separated from the fuel cell 18, thus limiting the risk of fire in the tank 9. Furthermore, also for safety reasons, the pressure regulator 38, illustrated in the figure 5The portion of the supply line 37 that is most critical with regard to explosion risks, namely its high-pressure section 39, is housed inside the chassis 2 and is therefore the best protected. Conversely, only the portion of the charging line that is least critical with regard to explosion risks, namely the low-pressure section 40, extends into the housing 12 and, as such, offers less protection.

[0055] Advantageously, the low-pressure portion 39 of the supply line 37 passes through one of the longitudinal members 6, 7 of the chassis 12 in order to connect the tank 9 and the pressure regulator 38, which are housed inside the chassis 2, on the one hand, to the fuel cell 18 housed in the casing 12, on the other hand. To achieve this, the supply line 37 advantageously includes a bulkhead fitting 43, illustrated in the figure 6The bulkhead fitting 43 comprises a body 44 which is designed to engage inside an opening 45 provided in the longitudinal stringer 7. The body 44 of the bulkhead fitting 43 has a channel 46 which is connected to an upstream portion 47 and a downstream portion 48 of the low-pressure portion 40. The body 44 of the bulkhead fitting 43 further comprises a bearing surface 49 which comes into contact with one side of the longitudinal stringer 7, while another element 50, such as a nut, is fixed to the body 44 and bears against the other side of the longitudinal stringer 7, which allows the bulkhead fitting 43 to be fixed to said longitudinal stringer 7.

[0056] As is well known, the fuel cell 18 is the site of a redox reaction that transforms hydrogen from reservoir 9 and oxygen from the air supplied by the compressor into electricity, water, and heat. Also, returning to the figure 1, it is observed that the handling machine 1 also includes a cooling device 20, visible on the figure 1 allowing the fuel cell 18 to be cooled. The cooling device 20 is also housed inside the casing 12. According to one embodiment, the cooling device 20 comprises a cooling circuit equipped with a heat exchanger.

[0057] Furthermore, the fuel cell 18 is also equipped with an air supply compressor to compress the combustion air at the inlet of the cells of the fuel cell 18. The fuel cell 18 may also include a humidifying device to humidify the air at the inlet of the fuel cell 18.

[0058] The handling machine 1 may also include a water collection device, not shown, for collecting the water discharged by the fuel cell 18. Furthermore, the water collection device may be connected to a water drain outlet for discharging the water or to a reservoir for storing the water. The water collection device may also be connected to the humidifier to supply it with water.

[0059] The handling machine 1 also includes power electronic equipment which includes in particular a DC / DC voltage converter 21 which is connected, on one side, to the fuel cell 18 and, on the other side, to the electric motors 13, 14, 17 and the electrical energy storage device 19. The DC / DC voltage converter 21 allows the voltage level delivered by the fuel cell 18 to be converted to the voltage level required by the electric motors 13, 14, 17 and the electrical energy storage device 19.

[0060] The handling machine 1 also includes control means, not shown, which are configured to control the fuel cell 18, the electric motors 13, 14, 17 and the DC / DC voltage converter 21 according to the control signals delivered by control equipment of the handling machine 1, such as an accelerator pedal and / or a control joystick in particular.

[0061] The electrical energy storage device 19 and the DC / DC voltage converter 21 are housed on the opposite side of the chassis 2 from the housing 12, i.e., on the side of the driver's cab 11. For example, the electrical energy storage device 19 and the DC / DC voltage converter 21 are housed in a compartment located beneath the driver's cab 11. This arrangement is advantageous because it isolates the electronic equipment from any hydrogen leaks that might occur inside the housing 12 or the chassis 2, further reducing the risk of fire. This arrangement also isolates the electrical energy storage device from the heat generated by the fuel cell, thus limiting the risk of overheating. Finally, this arrangement can contribute to improved lateral balance of the handling machine 1.

[0062] In an embodiment not shown, the handling machine 1 comprises a secondary frame that is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis of rotation on the aforementioned frame 2. In such an embodiment, the housing 12, the operator's cab 11, and the compartment located beneath the operator's cab 11, in which the electrical energy storage device 19 and the DC / DC voltage converter 21 are housed, are fixed to the secondary frame. Furthermore, the load handling device, i.e., the lifting arm 3, is hinged to the secondary frame.

[0063] THE figures 3 and 4 illustrate a handling machine according to another embodiment. This embodiment differs from that described above in relation to the figures 1 and 2in that a drive shaft 51 is coupled to a motor, for example an electric motor (not shown), via a reduction gear 52, and connects the front axle 4 and the rear axle 5. The drive shaft 51 extends inside the chassis 2, parallel to the longitudinal direction, and substantially at the center of the chassis 2, that is, along the median longitudinal axis X. Such a drive shaft 51 makes it possible to obtain drive to all four wheels 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b using only one motor. The motor can also be located inside the chassis 2.

[0064] In such an embodiment, the handling machine 1 comprises at least two tanks 53, 54, 55, 56 distributed laterally on either side of the transmission shaft 51 in order to maintain sufficient hydrogen storage capacity. On the figure 4It is observed that the handling machine 1 comprises four tanks 53, 54, 55, 56. Two of the tanks 53 and 54 have central axes arranged above the transmission shaft 51, laterally on either side of it, while the other two tanks 55 and 56 have central axes arranged below the transmission shaft 51, laterally on either side of it. As in the embodiment of the figures 1 and 2 Tanks 53, 54, 55, 56 have the shape of a cylinder of revolution. Tanks 53, 54, 55, 56 are preferably oriented so that the generatrices of the cylinder of revolution are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the handling machine 1.

[0065] There figure 9represents a handling machine according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the engine configured to power the handling machine is a hydrogen internal combustion engine 57. Such engines are generally designated by the acronym HICE for "Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine." The hydrogen internal combustion engine 57 is located in place of the fuel cell 18 of previous embodiments, i.e., in the housing 12. This arrangement allows the internal combustion engine 18 to be separated from the tank 9, thus limiting the risk of fire in the tank 9. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figure 6The hydrogen supply line 37 passes through one of the longitudinal side members 7 by means of a bulkhead fitting 43 in order to connect the tank 9 and the pressure regulator 38, which are housed inside the chassis 2, to the hydrogen internal combustion engine 57, which is housed in the box 12. Similarly, the portion of the charging line 37 that is most critical with regard to the risk of explosion, namely its high-pressure section 39, is housed inside the chassis 2. The internal combustion engine 37 is coupled to at least one of the front axles 4 and rear axles 5, and advantageously, to both, by a transmission device. On the figure 9This transmission device includes a hydraulic pump 59 which is coupled to the hydrogen internal combustion engine 57 and which is housed in the casing 12. The hydraulic pump 59 is hydraulically connected to two hydraulic motors 60, 61 which are respectively coupled to the front axle 4 and the rear axle 5.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the hydrogen internal combustion engine 57 can also be coupled to the front axles 4 and rear axles 5 via a driveshaft 51, as described above in relation to the figure 3 .

[0067] According to another, unshown, embodiment, the hydrogen internal combustion engine 57 is not used to propel the vehicle but is coupled with a generator to produce electrical energy. The generator is connected to the electrical energy storage device and / or to the electric motor(s) used to propel the vehicle.

[0068] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is clearly evident that it is by no means limited to them 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 as defined by the claims.

[0069] The use of the verb "comporter", "comprendre" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those stated in a claim.

[0070] In claims, any reference sign in parentheses shall not be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

1. A handling machine (1) having: - a chassis (2) having a median longitudinal axis (X) and comprising two longitudinal members (6, 7) extending on either side of the median longitudinal axis (X); - a load-handling device, which is mounted so as to be able to move on the chassis (2); - a driver's cab (11), which is fastened to the chassis (2) and is positioned on a first side of the chassis (2) with respect to the median longitudinal axis (X) of the chassis (2); - at least one tank (9, 53, 54, 55, 56), which is intended to contain hydrogen and is housed in the chassis (2), between the two longitudinal members (6, 7) - a hydrogen-consuming equipment, which is connected to the tank (9, 53, 54, 55, 56) via a supply line (37) and which is selected from among a fuel cell (18) and a hydrogen internal combustion engine (57), the handling machine (1) being characterised in that : - the tank (9, 53, 54, 55, 56) is housed in the frame (2), between the two longitudinal side members (6, 7) and in that the handling machine (1) comprises a casing (12), which is fastened to the chassis (2) and is arranged on a second side of the chassis (2), opposite the first side, with respect to the median longitudinal axis (X) and wherein the hydrogen-consuming equipment is housed in the casing (12).

2. The handling machine (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supply line (37) that connects the tank (9, 53, 54, 55, 56) to the hydrogen-consuming equipment has a pressure regulator (38) and wherein the pressure regulator (38) and also an upstream portion (39) of the supply line (37) that connects the pressure regulator (38) to the tank (9, 53, 54, 55, 56) are housed in the chassis (2), between the two longitudinal members (6, 7).

3. The handling machine (1) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the supply line (37) has a bulkhead fitting (43), which is housed in an orifice (45) in one of the two longitudinal members (6, 7) and which allows the supply line (37) to pass through said longitudinal member (6, 7).

4. The handling machine (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, also comprising at least one electric motor (13, 14, 17), which is configured to move the handling machine (1) or to actuate the load-handling device, and wherein the hydrogen-consuming equipment is a fuel cell (18) that is configured to generate electrical energy intended to supply the electric motor (13, 14, 17) with power.

5. The handling machine (1) as claimed in claim 4, also having an electrical energy storage device (19), the fuel cell (18) and the electrical energy storage device (19) being electrically connected, on the one hand, to one another and, on the other hand, in parallel to the electric motor (13, 14, 17).

6. The handling machine (1) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the electrical energy storage device (19) is housed in a housing formed beneath the driver's cab (11).

7. The handling machine (1) as claimed in claim 5 or 6, also comprising a DC-to-DC voltage converter (21), which is connected, on the one hand, to the fuel cell (18) and, on the other hand, to the electric motor (13, 14, 17) and to the electrical energy storage device (19).

8. The handling machine (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the DC-to-DC voltage converter (21) is housed in a housing formed beneath the driver's cab (11).

9. The handling machine (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one tank (9, 53, 54, 55, 56) has the shape of a cylinder of revolution about a central axis, the tank (9, 53, 54, 55, 56) being oriented so that the central axis is parallel to the median longitudinal axis X.

10. The handling machine (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: - a front axle (4) and a rear axle (5), which are mounted on the chassis (2) transversely to the median longitudinal axis X and each have two wheels (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b); - a transmission shaft (51), which couples the front axle (4) and the rear axle (5) to a motor, the transmission shaft (51) extending inside the chassis (2), between the two longitudinal members (6, 7), parallel to the median longitudinal axis (X) of the chassis (2); - at least two tanks (53, 54, 55, 56), which are intended to contain hydrogen and are housed in the chassis (2), between the two longitudinal members (6, 7), laterally on either side of the transmission shaft (51).

11. The handling machine (1) as claimed in claim 10, having at least four tanks (53, 54, 55, 56), which are intended to contain hydrogen and are housed in the chassis (2), two of the four tanks (53, 54) having central axes that are arranged above and laterally on either side of the transmission shaft, and the other two tanks (55, 56) having central axes that are arranged below and laterally on either side of the transmission shaft (51).

12. The handling machine (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: - a front axle (4) and a rear axle (5), which are mounted on the chassis (2) transversely to the median longitudinal axis X and each have two wheels (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b); - two electric motors (13, 14), which are respectively coupled to the front axle (4) and to the rear axle (5) via a transmission device and are housed inside the chassis (2), respectively in front of and to the rear of the at least one tank (53, 54, 55, 56).

13. The handling machine (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the load-handling device has a lifting arm (3), which is connected in an articulated manner to the two longitudinal members (6, 7), between said longitudinal members (6, 7) so as to be able to pivot with respect to the two longitudinal members (6, 7) about a transverse pivot axis (P).