Foil assembly comprising a hollow t-shaped connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a foil assembly for a hydrofoil, characterised in that it comprises: - a mast (300) comprising a first transverse longitudinal cavity (320), - a foil (400), and - a T-shaped connector (200) comprising a first part (210) that comprises means for fixing to the foil and a second part (220) that comprises means for fixing to the mast, and in that the T-shaped connector has a second transverse cavity made in it that leads into the first cavity, such that the first and the second cavity together form a chamber that allows for protection of elements which are useful for the operation of the hydrofoil. The invention also relates to a hollow T-shaped connector configured to be mounted in a foil assembly according to the invention. The invention also relates to a hydrofoil comprising a foil assembly according to the invention.

Description

[0001] FOIL ASSEMBLY WITH HOLLOW T-CONNECTOR

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention falls within the field of naval design, and more particularly relates to a hydrofoil foil assembly which comprises a hollow "T" shaped connection piece, providing the connection between the foil and the mast.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] The prior art knows hydrofoils with foils. A hydrofoil is a boat capable of planing, that is, of rising out of the water and maintaining its balance out of the water under the effect of speed, by means of several lifting surfaces placed under its hull.

[0006] Such a lifting plane is most commonly referred to as a "foil", borrowed from English. For ease of reading, in this application, the term "foil" is used. The foil may also be called a "wing", "lifting wing", "lifting plane" or be referred to by the English term "hydrofoil". The foil is supported by a generally straight structural element which extends under the hull called a "mast". The term "foil assembly" refers to the assembly formed by a mast and a foil.

[0007] To meet manufacturing constraints, the mast and the foil of a foil assembly are usually manufactured separately and then connected to each other by suitable fastening means such as glue and / or screws and nuts. Given that the mechanical constraints are particularly high at the junction between the mast and the foil, it is known to provide a junction piece in the shape of an inverted "T" whose horizontal part is made integral with the foil and whose vertical part is made integral with the mast. This junction piece or connection can be added, or be an integral part of the foil or the mast. To facilitate the design, production and transport of the T-shaped junction piece, it is often added. The dimensions and the material constituting the "T"-shaped junction piece are chosen according to the structural constraints anticipated for the foil assembly, at the junction between the mast and the wing.

[0008] In addition, the foil assembly usually includes force transfer means, in particular for controlling a fin, data transmission means and / or means for transporting liquid, in particular for cooling a hydrofoil motorization system. These means can be fixed around the perimeter of the mast but in this case have a negative impact on the hydrodynamic performance of the foil assembly. To limit this negative impact, it is known to fix said means on the trailing edge of the mast.

[0009] There is a need to improve the integration of elements useful for the operation of the hydrofoil into the foil assembly while maintaining the robustness of the foil assembly compatible with navigation in flight out of the water, carried by the hydrofoil foils.

[0010] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention aims to meet the need described above. To this end and according to a first aspect, the invention aims at a foil assembly for a hydrofoil which comprises:

[0012] - a mast comprising a first longitudinal through cavity,

[0013] - a foil and

[0014] - a T-connector comprising a first part which includes means for fixing to the foil and a second part which includes means for fixing to the mast and in which the T-connector is pierced with a second cavity, opening onto the first cavity, so that the first and second cavities together form a chamber for housing elements useful for the operation of the hydrofoil.

[0015] Thanks to these arrangements, elements useful for the operation of the hydrofoil are housed in the foil assembly. This positioning of said elements inside the foil assembly improves the hydrodynamic performance of the foil assembly compared to an external positioning (for example on the trailing edge of the mast). In addition, these arrangements prevent the risk of said elements being damaged by contact with water when the hydrofoil is moving.

[0016] In the context of the present application, the term "T-connector" means a junction piece comprising two parts, one of which is configured to be mounted integrally with the foil and the other configured to be mounted integrally with the mast. It is specified that the angle formed between these two parts is not necessarily a right angle, although this is preferentially the case according to at least one point of view on the T-connector (in front view or in side view).

[0017] In embodiments, the mast is a hollow body comprising a plurality of spars, i.e. longitudinal walls, separating the hollow body into several through cavities called "boxes", one of which forms the first longitudinal through cavity of the mast. For example, the mast comprises two spars delimiting, with the periphery of the mast, three boxes including a central box and two lateral boxes, less voluminous than the central box. Advantageously, said spars ensure a transfer of mechanical forces.

[0018] In embodiments, the area of ​​the chamber along any transverse sectional plane of the mast is greater than or equal to 3000 mm 2 , preferably greater than 3500 mm 2 , preferably greater than 4000 mm 2 , very preferably greater than 4500mm 2 or 4800 mm 2In embodiments, the surface area of ​​the chamber is greater than or equal to 30% of the total surface area occupied by the mast on any transverse sectional plane of the mast, preferably greater than 40%, very preferably greater than 45%.

[0019] Thanks to these arrangements, a large chamber is provided along the entire length of the mast and through the T-connector.

[0020] A cross-sectional plane of the mast is a sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the mast.

[0021] According to the invention, the first and second cavities together form a chamber for housing elements useful for the operation of the hydrofoil. In other words, the first and second cavities open onto each other and provide communication between the foil and the mast, preferably up to the top of the mast. These arrangements make it possible to position systems partially in one of the two cavities and partially in the other cavity. In addition, the vacuum thus created through the foil assembly can extend to the cabin of the hydrofoil or to the internal structure of the hydrofoil, allowing for example the transfer of force, the actuation of mechanical systems, the transmission of electrical signals or even the transport of fluids from the foil to the rest of the hydrofoil.

[0022] Elements useful for the operation of the hydrofoil are understood to mean any means enabling the operation of a system positioned on the foil assembly and in particular the systems connected to the hydrofoil. In particular, the elements useful for the operation of the hydrofoil may include means chosen from: force transfer means, electrical signal transmission means and fluid transport means.

[0023] The means for transferring forces and actuating mechanical systems comprise, for example, a connecting rod, as described in the present application, or a rod, a pulley, or even a transmission belt. These means are particularly useful for controlling one or more ailerons positioned on the wing. These force transfer means may also include hydraulic or pneumatic systems.

[0024] Electrical signal transmission means include any cable or fiber that allows the transfer of a command or data, for example, sonar or communication data, in the form of an electrical signal. The transmitted signals may be uplink, for example when data is measured by a sensor and then transmitted to a computer system positioned outside the wing on the hydrofoil. The transmitted signals may be downlink, for example in the case of a control signal that is transmitted to a system located in the foil assembly.

[0025] Preferably, the chamber formed by said first cavity and second cavity is through, that is to say that it comprises at least two openings, at two ends of the foil assembly. Preferably, a first opening of the chamber is located at the mast head, for example so as to open onto the internal structure of the hydrofoil. Preferably, a second opening is located at the mast foot, for example so as to open into the internal structure of the foil or outside the foil assembly.

[0026] "Mast foot" means the part of the mast at the end of the mast attached to the foil, for example the mast foot is one-fifth of the total height of the mast closest to the foil. "Masthead" means the opposite part, for example the masthead is one-fifth of the total height of the mast furthest from the foil.

[0027] In embodiments, the elements useful for the operation of the hydrofoil include a device for controlling the tilt of a fin provided with a lever.

[0028] In embodiments, said lever is at least partially housed in the chamber.

[0029] Thanks to these arrangements, the lever arm is larger compared to the lever arm of a lever positioned on the trailing edge of the mast. The control of the aileron is thus improved and / or requires a lower power motor for its operation.

[0030] According to the prior art, the lever arm is usually rearward of the wing pivot axis resulting in a low lever arm.

[0031] On the contrary, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lever is positioned in front of the pivot axis of the aileron. Thus, the lever arm of the lever is in front of the pivot axis of the aileron. This results in a working mode of the connecting rod connected to the lever arm mainly in traction when the aileron is deflected downwards since the force is in front of the pivot point. These arrangements make it possible to limit the weight of the connecting rod.

[0032] It is emphasized that the provision of a hollow T-connector according to the invention facilitates, in view of the space freed up to house the connecting rod and possibly part of the lever, the installation of a lever arm positioned in front of the pivot axis of the fin.

[0033] In embodiments, the length of the lever arm of the lever is greater than or equal to 120 millimeters (mm), preferably greater than 150 mm, preferably greater than 180 mm. In embodiments, the length of the lever arm of the lever is between 50% and 100% of the aileron chord. The distance between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the aileron profile is called the aileron chord.

[0034] In embodiments, the device for controlling the inclination of said aileron comprises a connecting rod housed at least partly in the first cavity, said connecting rod being connected at its lower end to the lever and its upper end to a means ensuring a translational movement along a substantially vertical axis.

[0035] In the present application, the term "lower end" of the connecting rod refers to its end closest to the water during normal operation of the hydrofoil and the term "upper end" of the connecting rod refers to the end furthest from the water, for example placed at the top of the mast.

[0036] Thanks to these provisions, the systems providing the motorization of the tilt control device can be relocated, for example at the masthead.

[0037] In embodiments, the means ensuring translational movement along a substantially vertical axis comprises a carriage movable on a rail moved by means of a ball screw.

[0038] Thanks to these arrangements, the carriage constrains the movement in vertical translation and the ball screw allows precise control of the movement of the connecting rod and consequently precise control of the inclination of said fin.

[0039] In embodiments, the means ensuring translational movement along a substantially vertical axis comprises a drive pulley, configured to drive the ball screw, connected via a transmission belt to a drive pulley rotated by a motor.

[0040] Thanks to these arrangements, the motor can be offset from the ball screw, which reduces the space requirement at the mast head compared to a motor that would be placed directly above the pulley configured to drive the ball screw. In addition, the use of several pulleys, for example a first pulley, integral with the motor shaft, and a second pulley, cooperating with the ball screw, allows fine control of the power ratio between the motor and the ball screw.

[0041] In embodiments, the first portion of the T-connector is mounted in a recess on the foil such that the surface of the foil and the visible surface of the first portion of the T-connector form a smooth assembly.

[0042] In other words, a shallow cavity, of height substantially equal to the height of the first part of the T-connector and of width and length substantially equal to the width and length of the first part of the T-connector, is provided in the extrados of the foil. These arrangements make it possible to avoid the presence of a shoulder at the interface between the first part of the T-connector and the foil. The hydrodynamic performance of the foil is thus preserved.

[0043] It is recalled that the extrados of a foil is the cambered face of the foil, oriented towards the surface during normal use of a hydrofoil, and which provides lift. Conversely, the intrados is the face opposite the camber, oriented towards the seabed during normal use of the hydrofoil.

[0044] In embodiments, the T-connector is a monolithic titanium part. In the context of the present application, a monolithic part is understood to mean a part formed from a single piece. Titanium has advantageous mechanical strength for a relatively light weight, making it possible to reduce the weight of the hydrofoil. The implementation of a monolithic part makes it possible to limit the use of connecting means between parts, which reduces the complexity of the T-connector and contributes to its strength.

[0045] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a T-connector for a hydrofoil foil assembly comprising a foil and a mast, the T-connector comprising a first part which comprises means for fixing to the foil and a second part which comprises means for fixing to the mast and the T-connector is pierced with a cavity opening onto a longitudinal through cavity in the mast, so that the two cavities together form a chamber making it possible to house elements useful for the operation of the hydrofoil.

[0046] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a hydrofoil which comprises a foil assembly according to the invention. The aims, advantages and particular characteristics of the T-connector and of the hydrofoil which are the subject of the present invention being similar to those of the hydrofoil foil assembly which is the subject of the present invention, they are not repeated here.

[0047] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0048] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the foil assembly, the T-connector and the hydrofoil which are the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0049] [Fig 1] represents, schematically in perspective view, a particular embodiment of a T-connector which is the subject of the invention, illustrated alone, before assembly with a foil and with a mast to form a foil assembly,

[0050] [Fig 2] represents, schematically in perspective section, the T-connector of figure 1, illustrated mounted in a mast,

[0051] [Fig 3] represents, schematically in top view, the T-connector of figure 1, illustrated mounted on a foil,

[0052] [Fig 4] represents, schematically in perspective section, the T-connector of figure 1, illustrated mounted on the foil and the mast of a particular embodiment of the foil assembly which is the subject of the invention,

[0053] [Fig 5] represents, schematically in top view, the T-connector of figure 1,

[0054] [Fig 6] represents, schematically and in side view, a device for controlling the inclination of a fin, which can be housed in particular embodiments of the foil assembly which is the subject of the invention and

[0055] [Fig 7] represents, schematically and in perspective view, a detail of the device for controlling the inclination of an aileron of figure 6.

[0056] We observe in the figures, under the reference number:

[0057] 100 a device for controlling the tilt of an aileron

[0058] 103 a support

[0059] 105 a turntable

[0060] 110 one engine

[0061] 120 a drive pulley

[0062] 125 a drive pulley

[0063] 130 a transmission belt

[0064] 140 a pressure roller 150 a carriage

[0065] 153 a nut in cooperation with the ball screw

[0066] 155 a ball screw screw

[0067] 160 a ball joint

[0068] 162 a ball joint

[0069] 165 a connecting rod

[0070] 170 a rail

[0071] 180 a lever

[0072] 200 a T-connector

[0073] 210 a first part of the T-connector

[0074] 211 a first plate forming the lower part of the first part of the T-connector and 212 a second plate, forming the lower part of the first part of the T-connector

[0075] 220 a second part of the T-connector

[0076] 290 a second through cavity, in the T-connector

[0077] 300 a mast

[0078] 301 the leading edge of the mast

[0079] 302 the trailing edge of the mast

[0080] 310 a wall delimiting the first cavity in the mast

[0081] 320 a first cavity

[0082] 330 first spar

[0083] 335 second spar

[0084] 340 leading edge box

[0085] 345 trailing edge box

[0086] 400 a foil

[0087] 401 the extrados of the foil

[0088] 402 the intrados of the foil

[0089] 410 a fin

[0090] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0091] This description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

[0092] It should be noted, from now on, that the figures are each to scale but that the scales may vary between them. Figures 1 and 5 show schematic views of a particular embodiment of a T-connector 200. The T-connector is illustrated alone, before its assembly with the foil and the mast of a foil assembly. The T-connector 200 is a structural element, ensuring the strength of the connection between a mast and a foil which will be described in more detail with regard to Figures 3 and 4. The T-connector 200, the foil and the mast form a foil assembly. The foil assembly is intended to be mounted under the hull of a hydrofoil to allow the hydrofoil to rise out of the water and to maintain its equilibrium out of the water under the effect of speed. The hydrofoil (not shown) may comprise several foil assemblies.According to a particular embodiment, the hydrofoil comprises three sets of foils, including one set of foils positioned under the hull, close to the bow of the hydrofoil, and two sets of foils positioned under the hull, close to the stern of the hydrofoil.

[0093] According to a preferred embodiment, the T-connector 200 is obtained by assembling titanium plates. In other embodiments, the T-connector 200 comprises any metal or alloy suitable for meeting the constraints of weight and mechanical strength. The T-connector may in particular comprise steel, polymers, composites, light alloys made from aluminum or even light alloys made from magnesium.

[0094] According to a preferred embodiment, the T-connector 200 is obtained by assembling plates, preferably made of titanium, welded together. This assembly is then machined to obtain at least one cavity and to draw the contours of the T-connector in order to facilitate its assembly with the foil assembly.

[0095] The T-connector 200 comprises a first part 210 configured to provide a secure connection between the T-connector and the foil. The first part 210 of the T-connector 200 is a substantially planar part. According to a particular embodiment, the first part 210 is formed of two rigid plates, 211 and 212, joined together. Said plates comprise an upper plate 211 and a lower plate 212. Preferably, at least one of the plates 211 and 212 has a curved shape or comprises a cavity on its face intended to be mounted opposite the other plate, 211 or 212, so that an opening 215 is provided between the two plates when they are fixed together. The connection between the T-connector 200 and the foil will be better understood with regard to the description of Figures 3 and 4.

[0096] The T-connector 200 comprises a second part 220 configured to provide a secure connection between the T-connector and the mast. The second part 220 is preferably a hollow, substantially flat part with a substantially rectangular or oblong section. The second part 220 is securely connected at right angles to the first part 210 of the T-connector 200. A cavity 290 is provided in the second part of the T-connector.

[0097] According to the invention, the T-connector comprises a through cavity 290, called the “second cavity” for housing elements useful for the operation of the hydrofoil and for routing it through the foil assembly, from the hydrofoil to the foil. The second cavity 290 communicates with a cavity provided in a mast. The connection between the T-connector 200 and the mast and the junction between the cavities of the mast and the T-connector 200 will be better understood with regard to the description of Figures 2 and 4.

[0098] Figure 2 shows the T-connector 200, described previously, illustrated mounted in a mast 300 of which only a section is shown. The mast 300 is formed from a polymer material or a composite, notably selected for its lightness. The mast may for example be obtained by implementing the manufacturing method described in French patent application FR 3 075 688. The mast 300 is at least partly hollow and comprises one or more cavities. In particular, the mast 300 comprises a first cavity 320 configured to communicate with the second cavity 290 of the T-connector.

[0099] The mast 300 is a body comprising a hollow core. Two spars, including a front spar 330 and a rear spar 335, separate the hollow body of the mast 300 into a central box and two lateral boxes. The leading edge box is the box 340 located at the front of the most forward spar 330 and the trailing edge box 345 is the box at the rear of the most rearward spar 335, in the direction of flow during normal operation of the hydrofoil. The T-connector 200 is inserted into a central box, said central box forming the first cavity 320.

[0100] Figure 3 shows a top view of the T-connector 200, shown mounted on a foil 400. Preferably, a recess whose dimensions are substantially equal to the dimensions of the first part 210 of the T-connector 200 is provided on the extrados 401 of the foil 400. The first part 210 of the T-connector 200 is placed in said recess so that, once fixed in place, the surface of the foil and the flush surface of the first part of the T-connector form a smooth surface. The first part 210 of the T-connector 200 comprises means for fixing to the foil. The fixing means may comprise screw-nut type fasteners or be secured by means of glue. For example, the T-connector part is fixed in place on the foil by means of screws, screwed through through holes 218 provided for this purpose on the first part 210 of the T-connector 200.This connection can be completed or replaced by gluing the T-connector 200 with the foil 400. Figure 4 shows a partial cross-sectional and perspective representation of the T-connector 200, illustrated mounted with a foil 400 and with a mast 300. The first cavity 320 is preferably a cavity present on a central part of the section of the mast 300 and which runs the entire height of the mast. The first cavity 320 is joined to the second cavity 290 of the T-connector. Preferably, this junction is made by fitting the second part 220 of the T-connector 200 into the cavity 320 of the mast 300. To do this, the second part 220 of the T-connector 200 is a part whose dimensions are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the cavity 320 of the mast 300, so that the second part 220 can be inserted into the cavity 320 and the opening of the cavity 290 is located opposite the cavity 320.Preferably, the mast 300 and the second part 220 of the T-connector are made integral with each other by gluing the external surfaces of the T-connector and / or the internal face of the walls 310 delimiting the first cavity 320 in the mast 300.

[0101] When mounting the T-connector 200 with the mast 300, care will be taken to ensure perpendicularity between the main axis of the mast 300 and the first part 210 which comprises fixing means between the T-connector 200 and the mast. These fixing means may, for example, comprise screw-nut systems or be ensured by gluing the foil to the mast.

[0102] As detailed above, the mast 300 comprises a first longitudinal through cavity and the T-connector comprises a second through cavity, mounted communicating with the first cavity, so that the first and second cavities together form a chamber for housing elements useful for the operation of the hydrofoil. For example, these elements are chosen from force transfer means, electrical signal transmission means and fluid transport means. In particular embodiments, the force transfer means comprise a device for controlling the inclination of a fin.

[0103] In embodiments, the foil 400 comprises a fin 410 and a device for controlling the inclination of the fin 410 which notably comprises a connecting rod 165 and a lever 180 which allows the fin to be moved. The device for controlling the inclination of the fin 410 will be better understood upon reading the description of figures 6 and 7.

[0104] Figure 6 shows a device 100 for controlling a fin, for example a fin 410 of the type described above. The control device 100 comprises a lever 180 securely connected at one of its ends to the fin 410 and connected at its other end to a connecting rod 165 by a ball joint 162 providing a pivot connection between the lever 180 and the connecting rod 165. It is emphasized that the connecting rod 165 and the lever 180 are partly housed in the void formed by the cavities 290 and 320, described above. This arrangement has the advantage of concealing these mechanisms inside the foil assembly. This has the effect of improving the hydrodynamic characteristics of the foil and preventing the risks of these mechanisms being damaged during navigation.In addition, the positioning of the lever in the void formed by the cavities 290 and 320 allows for the necessary space to accommodate a larger lever arm, compared to the lever arm of a lever that would extend from the trailing edge of the mast of the foil assembly to the fin. Thanks to the space provided in the hollow T-connector, the positioning of the connecting rod is advanced towards the front of the hydrofoil. These arrangements allow the lever 180 to be positioned in front of the pivot axis of the fin. Thus, the lever arm of the lever 180 is in front of the pivot axis of the fin, which allows a working mode of the connecting rod connected to the lever arm mainly in traction during deflections of the fin 410.

[0105] Figure 7 shows a detail of Figure 6, centered on the upper part of the device 100 for controlling an aileron. The upper end of the connecting rod 165 comprises a ball joint 160 which forms a pivot connection with a means ensuring translational movement along a substantially vertical axis. For example, the means ensuring translational movement along a substantially vertical axis is a carriage 150. The carriage 150 is mounted to move in translation on a rail 170. The rail 170 is in turn fixed to a plate secured to a structural element (not shown) of the hydrofoil.

[0106] The carriage 150 can perform an upward vertical movement M1 or a downward vertical movement M2 so as to transmit a moment of force to the lever 180 via the connecting rod 165. Thus, a movement M1 of the carriage 150 causes a rotational movement M3 of the lever having the effect of lowering the trailing edge 411 of the aileron 410 (movement M5 in FIG. 4). And a movement M2 of the carriage 150 causes a rotational movement M4 of the lever having the effect of raising the trailing edge 411 of the aileron 410 (movement M6 in FIG. 4).

[0107] The translational movement of the carriage 150 may be driven by a pneumatic or hydraulic piston system, by a ball screw or by any other suitable linear actuator. It is also emphasized that, in other embodiments, the upper portion of the connecting rod 165 may be connected directly to a linear actuator.

[0108] According to the embodiment illustrated in figures 6 and 7, the linear translational movement of the carriage 150 is driven by a ball screw comprising a threaded screw 155 and a nut 153 engaged with the screw 155. In embodiments (not shown), a motor is directly connected to the screw 155 and drives it in rotation.

[0109] More preferably, as illustrated in Figure 7, a drive pulley 125 mounted at the top of the mast 300 is integral in rotation with the screw 155. The pulley 125 is driven in rotation by a transmission belt 130 engaged with a second drive pulley 120 rotated by a motor 110. Preferably, the pulleys 125 and 120 as well as the transmission belt 130 are notched. A pressure roller 140 may be provided to keep the transmission belt in tension. All of the aforementioned elements are supported, directly or indirectly, by a support 103 which is in turn integral with a structural element of the hydrofoil.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Foil assembly for hydrofoil characterized in that it comprises: - a mast (300) comprising a first longitudinal through cavity (320), - a foil (400) and - a T-connector (200) comprising a first part (210) which comprises means for fixing to the foil and a second part (220) which comprises means for fixing to the mast and in that the T-connector is pierced with a second through cavity (290), opening onto the first cavity, so that the first and second cavities together form a chamber making it possible to house elements useful for the operation of the hydrofoil.

2. Foil assembly according to claim 1, in which the elements useful for the operation of the hydrofoil comprise means chosen from: force transfer means, electrical signal transmission means and fluid transport means.

3. Foil assembly according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the mast is a hollow body which comprises a plurality of spars (330, 335) separating the hollow body into several boxes (320, 340, 345) one of which forms the first longitudinal cavity (320) passing through the mast (300).

4. Foil assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the elements useful for the operation of the hydrofoil comprise a device (100) for controlling the inclination of a fin (400) connected to a lever (180).

5. Foil assembly according to claim 4, the length of the lever arm of the lever (180) is between 50% and 100% of the chord of the fins.

6. Foil assembly according to one of claims 4 or 5, in which the lever (180) is at least partly housed in the chamber.

7. Foil assembly according to one of claims 4 to 6, in which the device for controlling the inclination of said fin comprises a connecting rod (165), said connecting rod being connected at its lower end to the lever and at its upper end to a means ensuring a translational movement along a substantially vertical axis.

8. Foil assembly according to one of claims 4 to 7, in which the lever arm of the lever (180) is in front of the pivot axis of the fin (400), allowing a working mode of the connecting rod connected to the lever arm mainly in traction during deflections of the fin.

9. Foil assembly according to claim 7 or 8, in which the means ensuring translational movement along a substantially vertical axis comprises a carriage (150) movable on a rail (170) and moved by means of a ball screw.

10. Foil assembly according to claim 9, in which the means ensuring a translational movement along a substantially vertical axis comprises a drive pulley (125), configured to drive the ball screw, connected via a transmission belt (130) to a drive pulley (120) rotated by a motor (110).

11. A foil assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first part of the T-connector is mounted in a recess on the foil such that the surface of the foil and the visible surface of the first part of the T-connector form a smooth assembly.

12. Foil assembly according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the T-connector is a monolithic titanium part.

13. Foil assembly according to one of claims 1 to 12, the surface area of ​​the chamber according to any transverse sectional plane of the mast is greater than or equal to 3000 mm 2, preferably greater than 3500 mm 2 , preferably greater than 4000 mm 2 , very preferably greater than 4500mm 2 or 4800 14. Foil assembly according to one of claims 1 to 13, the surface area of ​​the chamber is greater than or equal to 30% of the total surface area occupied by the mast on any transverse sectional plane of the mast, preferably greater than 40%, very preferably greater than 45%.

15. T-connector for a hydrofoil foil assembly comprising a foil and a mast, the T-connector being characterized in that it comprises a first part which comprises means for fixing to the foil and a second part which comprises means for fixing to the mast and in that the T-connector is pierced with a cavity opening onto a longitudinal through cavity in the mast, so that the two cavities together form a chamber for housing elements useful for the operation of the hydrofoil.

16. Hydrofoil, characterized in that it comprises a foil assembly according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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