vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle that is a tilting vehicle or a spread-seat vehicle, wherein the vehicle has the following features: a vehicle body with a seat and a body cover, wherein the seat is designed to accommodate a driver, the body cover forming an external appearance of the vehicle that is visible in a side view, and wherein the vehicle body carries a plurality of wheels; a light source unit that emits a laser beam for illumination or communication purposes; one or more light-utilizing devices that use the laser beam supplied by the light source unit; an optical fiber cable designed to guide the laser beam from the light source unit to one or more light-using devices; an electrical power supply unit; a plurality of electrical units; and an electrical cable comprising a main section and a plurality of branch sections branching off from the main section, wherein the main section is electrically connected to the electrical power supply unit, wherein the plurality of branch sections are electrically connected to the plurality of respective electrical units, wherein the optical fiber cable has a supported section and a forward section, wherein the supported section runs along and is supported by the body section of the electrical cable, and wherein the forward section extends from the light source unit to the supported section without being supported by the body section, wherein the optical fiber cable is arranged such that at least a part of the carried section and at least a part of the upstream section are located at positions within a covered internal body region, where the internal covered region is at least one of the following: a region that is closer to a vehicle center than an outermost surface of the body covering when viewed from above in the vehicle width direction, wherein the region is inside the vehicle body and is hidden from view from outside the vehicle, or a region that is positioned further downwards than the uppermost section of the seat in side view, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present teaching relates to a vehicle that is a tilt vehicle or a spread seat vehicle. Background technology

[0002] For example, a vehicle with a lighting equipment system using a laser beam is shown in Patent Literature 1 (PTL 1). The vehicle according to PTL 1 is a straddle-seat vehicle. The straddle-seat vehicle of PTL 1 can tilt left and right.

[0003] JP 2018-144 709 A discloses a vehicle control device configured to detect whether a switch, for example a reading light switch, is stuck, wherein a state that the switch is stuck remains stored even when an ignition switch is turned off.

[0004] US 2012 / 0 025 962 A1 discloses a vehicle having one or more radiation sources to generate one or more visible markings defining a safety zone for the vehicle.

[0005] JP 2017-61 198 A discloses a support structure for an electrical component of a vehicle, which has a wiring harness and a support element attached to the wiring harness.

[0006] US 2018 / 0 252 380 A1 discloses a positioning structure for a saddle-type vehicle lighting device. The lighting device includes a laser element, a first light guide element and a second light guide element, a front light emitting unit and a rear light emitting unit, and a driver unit. The laser element and the driver unit are integrated as a light source unit. The light source unit is arranged between a head tube containing a steering axle for a front wheel and a pivot shaft supporting a rear wheel via a swing arm.

[0007] US 2011 / 0 013 414 A1 discloses a lighting system comprising a light-generating unit with a housing in which LEDs are arranged. Optical fibers are coupled to the housing via a fiber connector. Ends of the optical fibers spaced from the housing are provided with optical assemblies for directing light to multiple locations, for example, in a motor vehicle. Reference listPatent literature

[0008] PTL 1: JP 2018- 144 798 A Brief description of the inventionTechnical problem

[0009] The present teaching aims at adopting illumination or communication using a laser beam while maintaining both the protection of an optical fiber cable and the suppression of magnification of a vehicle that is a tilt vehicle or a spread seat vehicle. Solution to the problem

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the inventors of the present teaching have carried out investigations as follows.

[0011] For example, when a driver operates a tilt vehicle to turn a corner, the driver must shift their weight. A straddle-seat vehicle moves with a driver sitting astride a seat. Thus, a tilt vehicle or straddle-seat vehicle is designed to have a smaller vehicle width than that of a typical four-wheel vehicle with a cab. Generally, maneuverability, agility, and simplicity are required for a tilt vehicle or straddle-seat vehicle. Thus, a desire for downsizing and weight reduction of a tilt vehicle or straddle-seat vehicle is very high. Components of a vehicle body are densely arranged. For example, in a region covered by components such as the rear axle,a fuel tank, a dummy tank with a shape similar to the shape of the fuel tank, a footplate, a seat or a vehicle cover, components are arranged closely together and spaces between the components are small.

[0012] In some cases, a tilt-seat or spread-seat vehicle uses its narrow width to navigate a narrow path, such as a forest road. On such a narrow path, the vehicle body could be struck by an obstacle, such as a tree branch.

[0013] A tilt vehicle or straddle-seat vehicle is generally a vehicle that, when not in motion, tips over without a self-supporting mechanism or assistance from the driver, and does not stand upright. When such a tilt vehicle or straddle-seat vehicle tips over, the vehicle body touches the ground or the like.

[0014] PTL 1 discloses an optical fiber cable capable of freely bending according to the shape of a guide position in a vehicle body. Generally, an optical fiber cable is thinner than the metal core wire of an electrical cable and has a bending rigidity that is weaker than that of the electrical cable. Thus, the optical fiber cable is relatively soft and easily deformable, allowing it to be arranged in a narrow space between components.

[0015] In order to prevent an optical fiber cable from coming into contact with an obstacle when the vehicle, which is the tilt vehicle or the spread-seat vehicle, travels on a narrow path, and to prevent an optical fiber cable from coming into contact with the ground or the like when the vehicle overturns, it is conceivable that an optical fiber cable is arranged inside a vehicle body.

[0016] For example, the optical fiber cable is easily bent after applying an external force, but it is difficult to maintain a curved shape after the application of the external force is stopped. In addition, the vehicle body of the vehicle suffers from vibrations, for example, during driving. Therefore, if the optical fiber cable is arranged to extend in a narrow space between components, the optical fiber cable may come into contact with components due to vibrations of the vehicle body. The vehicle body contains a moving part or a component with a relatively high temperature. Thus, contact with the moving part may damage the optical fiber cable or degrade transmission efficiency. This is why preventing or suppressing contact between the optical fiber cable and other components is important.Preventing or suppressing contact is possible, for example, by providing a wide gap between components or providing additional parts to protect the optical fiber cable. However, this results in increased size, which is not preferable for a vehicle that is a tilt vehicle or a straddle-seat vehicle. It is not easy to achieve both protection of the optical fiber cable and suppression of increased size for a vehicle that is a tilt vehicle or a straddle-seat vehicle.

[0017] The inventors of the present teaching conducted investigations into the above-mentioned problems. Consequently, the inventors of the present teaching found that protection of an optical fiber cable and suppression or prevention of enlargement of a vehicle that is a tilt vehicle or a straddle-seat vehicle can be achieved by a configuration in which: the optical fiber cable is arranged in an internal covered region in the vehicle that is the tilt vehicle or the straddle-seat vehicle such that the optical fiber cable extends along a body portion of an electric wire bundle while being supported by the body portion; and a portion of the optical fiber cable is also arranged in the internal covered region, the portion branching from the body portion and extending to a light source unit.

[0018] The present teaching was achieved based on the knowledge described above.

[0019] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present teaching has the following design. (1) A vehicle which is a tilt vehicle or a spread seat vehicle, the vehicle having the following features: a vehicle body having a seat and a body cover, the seat being adapted for a driver to sit thereon, the body cover forming an external appearance of the vehicle visible in a side view, the vehicle body supporting a plurality of wheels; a light source unit that emits a laser beam for illumination or communication purposes; one or more light utilizing devices that utilize the laser beam supplied from the light source unit; an optical fiber cable configured to guide the laser beam from the light source unit to the one or more light utilizing devices; an electrical power supply unit; a plurality of electrical units; and an electric cable having a body portion and a plurality of branch portions branching from the body portion, the body portion being electrically connected to the electric power supply unit, the plurality of branch portions being electrically connected to the plurality of respective electric units, wherein the optical fiber cable has a supported portion and an upstream portion, wherein the supported portion runs along and is supported by the body portion of the electrical cable, wherein the upstream portion extends from the light source unit to the supported portion without being supported by the body portion, wherein the optical fiber cable is arranged such that both at least a part of the carried portion and at least a part of the upstream portion are arranged at positions within a body-internal covered region, wherein the internal body region covered is at least one of the following: a region that is closer to a vehicle center than an outermost surface of the body cover when viewed from above in the vehicle width direction, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle, or a region positioned further in a downward direction than an uppermost portion of the seat when viewed from the side, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle.

[0020] The vehicle of (1) is a tilt vehicle or a spread-seat vehicle. The vehicle includes the vehicle body, the light source unit, the light utilization devices, the optical fiber cable, the electric power supply unit, the plurality of electric units, and the electric cable. The vehicle body includes the seat and the body cover. The electric power supply unit is, for example, a battery. The electric power supply unit is not limited to this and could be, for example, a capacitor or a combination of a battery and a capacitor. The electric units are basically electrical components except for the electric power supply unit. The electric cable includes the body portion and the plurality of branch portions. The body portion is electrically connected to the electric power supply unit.The plurality of branch portions branch from the body portion and are electrically connected to the plurality of respective electrical units. The optical fiber cable is configured to guide a laser beam from the light source unit to the light-utilizing devices. The optical fiber cable includes the supported portion and the upstream portion. The supported portion is one that runs along and is supported by the body portion of the electrical cable. The upstream portion is one that extends from the light source unit to the supported portion without being supported by the body portion.

[0021] The electric cable includes a core wire made of a metal and a sheath (outer cover) made of, for example, a resin. The optical fiber cable includes an optical fiber core wire made of a resin and a sheath made of, for example, a resin. The electric cable provided in the vehicle, which is the tilt vehicle or the straddle-seat vehicle, is more likely to maintain its shape compared to the optical fiber cable, the shape of the electric cable being formed, for example, during assembly of the vehicle. Since the optical fiber cable runs along the electric cable and is supported by the body portion of the electric cable, free deformation or displacement caused by vibration or the like is likely to be suppressed.Accordingly, in the vehicle of (1), prevention or suppression of deformation and / or displacement of the optical fiber cable can be achieved. The in-body covered region is at least one of the following: the region located closer to the vehicle center than the outermost surface of the body cover when viewed from above in the vehicle width direction, the region located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from the outside of the vehicle; or the region positioned further in the downward direction than the uppermost portion of the seat when viewed from the side, the region located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from the outside of the vehicle. In the in-body covered region in the vehicle that is the tilt vehicle or the straddle seat vehicle, components are densely arranged.In the vehicle of (1), both prevention or suppression of contact of the optical fiber cable, which has, for example, lower rigidity than the electrical cable, with an object outside the vehicle and suppression or prevention of contact of the optical fiber cable with a component due to vibration while the optical fiber cable extends in a narrow space in the internal body covered region can be achieved. Since the body portion of the electrical cable extends along the optical fiber cable, the body portion of the electrical cable is likely to protect the optical fiber cable from coming into contact with a component. In the vehicle of (1), prevention or suppression of contact of the optical fiber cable with any component can be achieved.Even if the optical fiber cable is directly in contact with a component, deformation, displacement, or damage to the optical fiber cable can be prevented or suppressed because the optical fiber cable is supported by the electrical cable. The upstream portion of the optical fiber cable extending from the light source unit to the supported portion is also located in the internal body covered region, and therefore, contact of the optical fiber cable extending from the supported portion with each component can also be prevented or suppressed. Accordingly, an increase in the space between components can be prevented or suppressed.In addition, the electrical cable provided in the vehicle, which is the tilt vehicle or the spread-seat vehicle, is also used to support the optical fiber cable, and this can contribute to suppressing an increase or new creation of an installation space. Both protection of the optical fiber cable and suppression of an increase in the size of the vehicle, which is the tilt vehicle or the spread-seat vehicle, can be achieved. In the vehicle of (1), the optical fiber cable runs along the electrical cable. This allows the optical fiber cable to be supported while being routed along a wider possible range of paths and locations where no frame is arranged, compared with a case where the optical fiber cable runs only along a frame of the vehicle body, for example.Accordingly, a higher degree of freedom in routing can be obtained while maintaining both protection of the optical fiber cable and suppression of magnification.

[0022] In a further aspect of the present teaching, the vehicle may have the following configuration. (2) In the case of the vehicle referred to in (1) the internal body region covered is at least one of the following: a region that is closer to a vehicle center than an outermost surface of the body cover when viewed from above in the vehicle width direction, the region being inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle due to a vehicle component that is in contact with a driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving, or a region positioned further in a downward direction than an uppermost portion of the seat when viewed from the side, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle due to a vehicle component that is in contact with a driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving.

[0023] In the vehicle of (2), both the suppression of the situation where the optical fiber cable is in contact with the driver and the suppression of the situation where the optical fiber cable is in contact with the exterior of the vehicle can be achieved. This can improve the protection of the optical fiber cable.

[0024] In a further aspect of the present teaching, the vehicle may have the following configuration. (3) In the case of the vehicle referred to in (1) or (2) the internal body region covered is at least one of the following: a region that is closer to a vehicle center than an outermost surface of the body cover when viewed in the vehicle width direction, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle due to a leg load component that receives a load from a leg of a driver riding on the vehicle while it is moving, or a region positioned further downward than an uppermost portion of the seat when viewed from the side, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle due to the leg load component that receives a load from a leg of a driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving.

[0025] In the vehicle of (3), both the suppression of the influence of the load the optical fiber cable receives from the driver during driving and the suppression of the situation where the optical fiber cable is in contact with the exterior of the vehicle can be achieved. This can improve the protection of the optical fiber cable.

[0026] In a further aspect of the present teaching, the vehicle may have the following configuration. (4) In the case of the vehicle according to one of (1) to (3) the internal body region covered is at least one of the following: a region that is closer to a vehicle center than an outermost surface of the body cover when viewed in the vehicle width direction, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle by the seat, a fuel tank, or a dummy tank, or a region positioned further in the downward direction than an uppermost portion of the seat when viewed from the side, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle by the body cover.

[0027] In the vehicle of (4), both the suppression of the influence of the load received by the driver while riding on the seat and the body cover placed close to the driver's body during driving, as well as the suppression of contact with the exterior of the vehicle, can be achieved. This can improve the protection of the optical fiber cable.

[0028] In a further aspect of the present teaching, the vehicle may have the following configuration. (5) In the case of the vehicle according to one of (1) to (4) the supported portion of the optical fiber cable is bonded to the body portion, and thus runs along and is supported by the body portion of the electrical cable, forming an optical-electrical cable bundle.

[0029] In the vehicle of (5), the optical fiber cable is bonded to the body portion, which may also be partially an electrical cable, forming an optical-electrical cable bundle. This can make it easy to maintain the shape of the optical-electrical cable bundle including the optical fiber cable, and can make it easy to suppress free displacement or deformation caused by vibration or the like. Accordingly, in the vehicle of (5), both a higher degree of protection of the optical fiber cable and further suppression of the increase in the size of the vehicle, which is the tilt vehicle or the straddle-seat vehicle, can be achieved.

[0030] The optical-electrical cable bundle is formed by bonding at least a portion of one or more optical fiber cables with one or more electrical cables. An optical fiber cable and an electrical cable (e.g., an optical-electrical composite cable, an optical-metallic composite cable) housed in a tube do not constitute an optical-electrical cable bundle unless the optical fiber cable is supported by the electrical cable.

[0031] The optical-electrical cable bundle may be formed by binding one or more optical fiber cable bundles with one or more electrical cable bundles. The optical-electrical cable bundle may be formed by binding one or more optical fiber cable bundles with one or more electrical cables. The optical-electrical cable bundle may be formed by binding one or more electrical cable bundles with one or more optical fiber cables.

[0032] In a further aspect of the present teaching, the vehicle may have the following configuration. (6) In the case of the vehicle referred to in (5) the optical-electrical cable bundle has a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the supported section of the optical fiber cable.

[0033] The vehicle of (6) can easily maintain the shape of the optical fiber cable and easily suppress free displacement or deformation caused by vibration or the like. Accordingly, in the vehicle of (6), both a higher degree of protection of the optical fiber cable and further suppression of the increase in size of the vehicle, which is the tilt vehicle or the straddle-seat vehicle, can be achieved.

[0034] In a further aspect of the present teaching, the vehicle may have the following configuration. (7) In the vehicle according to (5) or (6), the optical-electrical cable bundle is configured to maintain a state in which side surfaces of the supported portion and the body portion, which are adjacent to each other, are in contact with each other over an entire area or at a plurality of locations in a longitudinal direction of the optical-electrical cable bundle.

[0035] The vehicle of (7) can further make it easy to maintain the shape and can further make it easy to suppress free displacement or deformation caused by vibration or the like. Accordingly, in the vehicle of (7), both a higher degree of protection of the optical fiber cable and further suppression of enlargement of the vehicle, which is the tilt vehicle or the straddle-seat vehicle, can be achieved.

[0036] In a further aspect of the present teaching, the vehicle may have the following configuration. (8) In the case of the vehicle according to one of (5) to (7) the optical-electrical cable bundle is formed such that relative free displacement between the supported portion and the body portion, which are adjacent to each other in the optical-electrical cable bundle, is restricted in an entire area or at a plurality of locations in a longitudinal direction of the optical-electrical cable bundle.

[0037] The vehicle of (8) can easily maintain the shape of the optical fiber cable and can easily suppress free displacement or deformation caused by vibration or the like. Accordingly, in the vehicle of (8), both a higher degree of protection of the optical fiber cable and further suppression of enlargement of the vehicle, which is the tilt vehicle or the straddle-seat vehicle, can be obtained. The restriction on free displacement may be, for example, a restriction on free displacement at least in the longitudinal direction; a restriction on a distance over which free displacement is permitted; or, for example, a combination of the two.

[0038] In a further aspect of the present teaching, the vehicle may have the following configuration. (9) In the case of the vehicle according to one of (5) to (8) the optical-electrical cable bundle is formed by ring-shaped binding made with binding elements at a plurality of locations in a longitudinal direction of the optical-electrical cable bundle or by spiral binding made with a binding element.

[0039] The vehicle of (9) can easily maintain the shape of the optical fiber cable and can easily suppress free displacement or deformation caused by vibration or the like. Accordingly, in the vehicle of (9), both a higher degree of protection of the optical fiber cable and further suppression of enlargement of the vehicle, which is the tilt vehicle or the straddle-seat vehicle, can be obtained. The binding with the binding member is achieved, for example, by the binding member wound in the circumferential direction. For example, each plurality of binding members arranged at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the optical-electrical cable bundle may be wound to form a ring shape. Alternatively, one binding member may be wound to form a helical shape.

[0040] In a further aspect of the present teaching, the vehicle may have the following configuration. (10) In the case of the vehicle according to one of (1) to (9) a direct distance between a light output point of the light source unit and an optical cable joining point is shorter than a direct distance between an electricity output point of the electric power supply unit and the optical cable joining point, and the optical cable joining point corresponds to a boundary position between the supported portion and the upstream portion.

[0041] In the vehicle of (10), the distance from the light output point to the optical fiber connection point is short, and therefore contact with a component of the vehicle caused by vibrations can be suppressed further in the internal covered region. This can improve the protection of the optical fiber cable.

[0042] In a further aspect of the present teaching, the vehicle may have the following configuration. (11) In the case of the vehicle according to one of (1) to (10) a length of a part of the optical fiber cable from a light output point of the light source unit to an optical cable joining point is shorter than a length of a part of the electric cable from an electricity output point of the electric power supply unit to the optical cable joining point, and the optical cable joining point corresponds to a boundary position between the supported portion and the upstream portion.

[0043] In the vehicle of (11), the portion of the optical fiber cable from the light output point to the optical cable joining point is short, and therefore contact with a vehicle component caused by vibration in the internal body-covered region can be further suppressed. This can improve the protection of the optical fiber cable.

[0044] In a further aspect of the present teaching, the vehicle may have the following configuration. (12) In the case of the vehicle according to one of (1) to (11) The vehicle body includes: a main body with the seat and the body cover and a movable part adapted to be steerable to move together with a part of the wheels and relative to the main body, and wherein both the torso portion and the supported portion are arranged, or only the torso portion is arranged, to extend over the main body and the movable part.

[0045] In the vehicle that is the tilt vehicle or the straddle-seat vehicle, as mentioned above, components are arranged at relatively narrow intervals, making it difficult to provide an installation space for a cable. In addition, the movable part displaces during steering. Thus, displacement of the movable part occurs at a relatively high frequency. Under such a condition, the optical-electrical cable bundle extends across the main body and the movable part. In the vehicle of (12), prevention or suppression of contact of the optical fiber cable with another component can be achieved. Damage to the optical fiber cable caused by contact of the optical fiber cable with another component can be prevented or suppressed.

[0046] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of defining particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The terms "comprise," "include," "have," and variations thereof as used herein specify the presence of recited features, steps, acts, elements, components, and / or equivalents thereof, and may include one or more of steps, acts, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The terms "attached," "connected," "coupled," and / or equivalents thereof as used herein are used broadly and include both direct and indirect attachment and coupling, unless otherwise noted.The terms "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to a physical or mechanical connection or coupling and may include direct and indirect electrical connection and coupling. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present teachings belong. It is further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the present teachings and relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.It should be noted that the description of the present teaching discloses several techniques and steps. Each of these has individual advantages, and furthermore, each may be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases, all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for clarity, the description will not unnecessarily repeat every possible combination of the individual steps. Nevertheless, the description and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are fully within the scope of the present teaching and claims.

[0047] This description provides an explanation of a novel vehicle. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present teachings. However, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art could practice the present teachings without these specific details. The present disclosure is intended to be considered an illustration of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the present teachings to the specific embodiments illustrated by the drawings or descriptions below.

[0048] No limitation is imposed on a combination of embodiments according to the other aspects described above. Before describing the embodiments in detail, it should be noted that the present teaching is not limited to the details of the design and arrangement of elements shown in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present teaching could be embodied in other embodiments and could be embodied in embodiments with various modifications. The present teaching can be embodied in suitable combinations of variations, which will be specified later.

[0049] A straddle-seat vehicle refers to a type of vehicle in which a rider sits astride a saddle. A motorcycle is not particularly restricted and could, for example, be a motorbike. A straddle-seat vehicle is not restricted to two-wheeled motorcycles and could, for example, be a three-wheeled motorcycle with three wheels, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with four wheels, or a recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV).

[0050] The tilt vehicle is one that corners in a tilted posture. The tilt vehicle is configured to lean inward while cornering. For example, the tilt vehicle could also serve as the straddle-seat vehicle. The tilt vehicle could, for example, be a straddle-seat vehicle configured to lean inward while cornering. Examples of such a vehicle include a motorcycle, a three-wheeled motorcycle, and the like. The three-wheeled motorcycle could be a type with two front wheels or could be a type with two rear wheels. The tilt vehicle has, for example, a rod-shaped control handle (handlebar).

[0051] The vehicle that is the tilt vehicle or the spread-seat vehicle is one that moves using the power of an engine, for example. However, the vehicle is not particularly restricted and could, for example, be an electric car or a hybrid electric car.

[0052] The electrical power supply unit is, for example, a battery. However, the electrical power supply unit is not particularly limited and could, for example, be a capacitor or a combination of a battery and a capacitor.

[0053] Electrical units include, for example, electrically operated devices, excluding the electrical power supply unit. Examples of electrical units may include a lamp, a switch, an actuator, a computer, a relay, a starter motor, and a combination thereof. It should be noted here that neither an electrical cable with a function merely of electrical connection at opposite ends when the vehicle is in a normal state nor a fuse are included in the electrical units.

[0054] The body portion of the electric cable is one that is electrically connected to the electric power supply unit. The branch portions of the electric cable are those that branch from the body portion and that are electrically connected to the plurality of respective electric units. For example, in a case where the electric power supply unit is electrically connected to one terminal of a switch via an electric cable, a fuse, and an electric cable, the switch being an electric unit, the electric cables serve as the body portion because they are electrically connected to the electric power supply unit. For example, an electric cable connected to another terminal of the aforementioned switch is not included in the body portion even if the electric cable is joined to the body portion.

[0055] The light source unit emits a laser beam, for example, for illumination purposes. The light source unit can emit a laser beam for communication purposes, where the laser beam represents data, for example.

[0056] The light-utilizing device is one that uses a laser beam to implement illumination or communication. The light-utilizing unit is a light-emitting part that receives a laser beam and emits light to the outside, for example. The light-utilizing device is not particularly limited and could be an optical communication device that, for example, receives a laser beam representing data and decodes data from the laser beam.

[0057] The supported portion of the optical fiber cable is arranged, for example, in the internal body covered region and outside the internal body covered region such that the supported portion runs along the torso portion and is supported by it. The optical fiber cable is not particularly limited, and, for example, the supported portion of the optical fiber cable could be arranged only in the internal body covered region, for example, such that the supported portion runs along the torso portion and is supported by it. Here, a portion supported by the branch portion of the electrical cable does not correspond to the supported portion.

[0058] At least the supported portion of the optical fiber cable is bonded to the body portion, for example, and thus supported by the body portion. How the supported portion is supported is not particularly limited, but the supported portion of the optical fiber cable and the body portion may be inserted into the same tube, so that the supported portion is supported by the body portion.

[0059] The upstream portion of the optical fiber cable is one that is upstream in a traveling direction of light output from the light source unit. The upstream portion of the optical fiber cable is one that extends from the light source unit to the supported portion.

[0060] The in-body covered region is, for example, one of the following: a region closer to the vehicle center than that of the outermost surface of the body cover, considering the vehicle width direction in plan view, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from the outside of the vehicle; or a region positioned further in the downward direction than the uppermost portion of the seat in side view, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from the outside of the vehicle.The in-body covered region is not particularly limited and could, for example, be a region closer to the vehicle center than that of the outermost surface of the body cover, considering the vehicle width direction in plan view, the region being inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle, and a region positioned further in the downward direction than the uppermost portion of the seat in side view, the region being inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle.

[0061] The in-body covered region is, for example, one of the following: a region located closer to the vehicle center than that of the outermost surface of the body cover when viewed from the vehicle width direction, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from the outside of the vehicle due to a vehicle component that is in contact with a driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving; or a region positioned further in the downward direction than the uppermost region of the seat when viewed from the side, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from the outside of the vehicle due to a vehicle component that is in contact with a driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving.The in-body covered region is not particularly limited and could be, for example, both a region closer to the vehicle center than that of the outermost surface of the body cover when viewed in the vehicle width direction in plan view, the region being inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from the outside of the vehicle due to a vehicle component in contact with a driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving, and a region positioned further in the downward direction than the uppermost portion of the seat when viewed in side view, the region being inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from the outside of the vehicle due to a vehicle component in contact with a driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving.

[0062] The internal body covered region is, for example, one of the following: a region closer to the vehicle center than that of the outermost surface of the body cover when viewed in the vehicle width direction in plan view, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle due to a leg load component that receives a load from a leg of a driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving, or a region positioned further in the downward direction than the uppermost portion of the seat when viewed from the side, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle due to the leg load component that receives a load from a leg of a driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving.The in-body covered region is not particularly limited and could, for example, be a region that is closer to the vehicle center than the outermost surface of the vehicle body when viewed from above in the vehicle width direction, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from the outside of the vehicle due to a leg load component that receives a load from a leg of a driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving, and a region that is positioned further in the downward direction than the uppermost portion of the seat when viewed from the side, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from the outside of the vehicle due to the leg load component that receives a load from a leg of a driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving.

[0063] The component in contact with the driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving is, for example, a component touched by a hand of the driver riding on the vehicle, a leg of the driver, and a conductor while the vehicle is moving.

[0064] The leg load component, which supports the load from the leg of the vehicle driver, is included due to the vehicle component that comes into contact with the driver riding on the vehicle while it is moving. The leg load component is, for example, a fuel tank, a dummy tank with a shape similar to the fuel tank, a footplate, a seat, or a combination thereof. The dummy tank is a component that is located in place of the fuel tank, for example, in an electric vehicle.

[0065] The seat and tank of the vehicle, which is the tilt vehicle or the spread seat vehicle, are parts that are in contact with the driver, unlike those of an automobile.

[0066] The movable part, which is designed to be steered to move along with a portion of the wheels and relative to the main body, is, for example, a front wheel suspension, a handle, and devices attached thereto. However, the movable part is not particularly limited and could include a windshield and a meter arranged to move relative to the main body, for example. Advantageous effect of the invention

[0067] The present teaching can adopt illumination or communication using a laser beam while maintaining both protection of an optical fiber cable and suppression of magnification of a vehicle that is a tilt vehicle or a straddle seat vehicle. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1(a) is a schematic plan view of a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a schematic side view of the vehicle, (c) is a diagram showing an optical-electrical cable bundle provided in the vehicle. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an optical-electrical cable bundle in a second embodiment of the present teaching. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of devices to which the connection formation shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is applicable. Description of the embodiments

[0068] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first embodiment of the present teaching. Fig. Figure 1(a) is a schematic plan view of a vehicle. Fig. Figure 1(b) is a schematic side view of the vehicle. Fig. 1(c) is a diagram showing an optical-electrical cable bundle provided in the vehicle.

[0069] Vehicle 1, which is in Fig. The vehicle shown in Figures 1(a) and (b) is a spread-seat vehicle. Vehicle 1 is also a tilt vehicle. Vehicle 1 tilts toward the center of a curve when cornering.

[0070] The vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 10, a light source unit 30, two or more light utilization devices 40, an optical fiber cable 32, an electric power supply unit 66, and electric cables 61, 62.

[0071] The vehicle body 10 carries a plurality of wheels 14, 15. The vehicle body 10 has a seat 17 and a body cover 18. A driver sits on the seat 17. The body cover 18 forms an external appearance of the vehicle, which in the Fig. 1(b). The vehicle body 10 also includes a drive source 20. The drive source 20 drives the wheel 15. The drive source 20 is, for example, an internal combustion engine. An electric motor is also acceptable as the drive source 20. Either the internal combustion engine or the electric motor can be used. The vehicle 1 includes a fuel tank 16. The drive source 20 is not particularly limited and could, for example, be an electric motor. In this case, a dummy tank could be provided instead of the fuel tank 16.

[0072] The light source unit 30 generates a laser beam for illumination purposes. The light source unit 30 is a laser beam source unit. The light source unit 30 receives a supply of electrical power to output a laser beam. The light source unit 30 has a laser beam source element 31. The light source unit 30 emits a laser beam output from the laser beam source element 31 to the outside.

[0073] The light-using device 40 uses the laser beam supplied from the light source unit 30. The light-using device 40 is a light-emitting part. The light-using device 40 radiates the laser beam supplied from the light source unit 30 toward the exterior of the vehicle 1. The light-using device 40 changes, for example, a color of the laser beam supplied from the light source unit 30 and radiates the result to the outside. The light-using device 40 is, for example, a turn signal lamp. The vehicle 1 includes two or more light-using devices 40, and the light source unit 30 emits a laser beam not only to the turn signal lamp but also to the other light-using devices 40.Herein, for convenience of view of the embodiment, only the turn signal lamp among the two or more light-using devices 40 is shown as an example, and the light-using devices 40 other than the turn signal lamp will be described later.

[0074] The optical fiber cable 32 guides a laser beam from the light source unit 30 to the light utilization devices 40. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 1, the optical fiber cable 32 guides a laser beam output from the light source unit 30 to the light utilization devices 40 serving as light-emitting parts. The optical fiber cable 32 includes an optical fiber core wire made of a resin and a sheath made of a resin, although not shown.

[0075] Specifically, the optical fiber cable 32 guides a laser beam output from a light output point 31a of the light source unit 30 to the light utilization devices 40. The optical fiber cable 32 is connected to the light output point 31a of the light source unit 30. The light output point 31a is, for example, an optical connector disposed in the light source unit 30.

[0076] The electric power supply unit 66 supplies electric power to each part of the vehicle 1. The electric power supply unit 66 is, for example, a battery. Electric units 60, 63, 64 are devices that are different from the electric power supply unit 66. The electric units 60, 63, 64 are devices that operate electrically.

[0077] Fig. 1 shows an example of the electrical units 60, 63, 64. The electrical unit 60 is a control device composed of an electronic computer. The control device serving as the electrical unit 60 controls, for example, operations of the power source 20. The electrical unit 63 is a starter switch. The starter switch serving as the electrical unit 63 is, for example, a switch for starting the engine serving as the power source 20 upon operation. The electrical unit 64 is a main switch. The main switch serving as the electrical unit 64 is a switch for supplying electric power from the electric power supply unit 66 to the other electrical units 60, 63 upon operation.Not only the electrical units 60, 63, 64 illustrated in the drawings, but also a switch, a lamp, an actuator, a computer, a relay, a sensor, and a starter motor (all not shown) are included in the electrical units according to the present disclosure. However, an electrical cable or a fuse is not included in the electrical units.

[0078] The electric cables 61, 62 are cables for transmitting electricity. The electric cables 61, 62 are connected to the electric power supply unit 66 or to the electric units 60, 63, 64. Each of the electric cables 61, 62 has a core wire made of a metal and a sheath made of a resin, although not shown.

[0079] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 1, the electric cable 61 is electrically connected to the control device serving as the electric unit 60 and to the starter switch serving as the electric unit 63. The electric cable 61 transmits electricity between the electric unit 60 and the electric unit 63. The electric cable 62 is electrically connected to the electric power supply unit 66 and to the main switch serving as the electric unit 64. The electric cable 62 transmits electricity between the electric power supply unit 66 and the electric unit 64. The electric cable 62 transmits electric power output from the electric power supply unit 66. This is why the electric cable 62 is thicker than the other electric cable 61.In addition, an electric cable (not shown) different from the electric cable 61 extends from the control device serving as the electric unit 60. For example, an electric cable that supplies a signal or electric power for driving the drive source 20 extends from the control device serving as the electric unit 60. Further, an electric cable (not shown) also extends from the electric power supply unit 66 to another electric unit, such as the relay (not shown). Herein, only the electric cables 61, 62 are shown as an example for convenience of view of the configuration.

[0080] A portion of the electrical cable 61 runs along a portion of the electrical cable 62 and is supported by the portion of the electrical cable 62. The electrical cables 61, 62 are arranged in a bundle. The bundle of electrical cables 61, 62 includes a trunk section H1 and a plurality of branch sections H2. The trunk section H1 is a section electrically connected to the electrical power supply unit 66. The branch sections H2 are sections branching from the trunk section H1 and are electrically connected to a plurality of electrical units 60, 63, respectively.

[0081] In the present specification, "connecting" cables means a configuration in which the plurality of electrical cables 61, 62 extending from locations distant from each other reach a region where they extend along each other and are carried by each other. In other words, connecting the plurality of electrical cables 61, 62 does not mean that they are electrically connected to each other; however, a definition of connecting is not particularly limited, and it could also be possible, for example, that a plurality of electrical cables are electrically connected, or their conductors are joined together so that they are electrically connected. In the present specification, "branching" cables means a configuration that can be expressed in the opposite way to connecting.In the formation, the plurality of electrical cables 61, 62 are separated from each other in the region where they extend along each other and are carried through each other.

[0082] The optical fiber cable 32 has a supported portion F1 and an upstream portion F2. The supported portion F1 is a portion that runs along the body portion H1 of the electrical cables 61, 62 and is supported by the body portion H1. The upstream portion F2 is a portion that extends from the light source unit 30 to the supported portion F1 without being supported by the body portion H1. A point corresponding to a boundary position between the supported portion F1 and the upstream portion F2 is an optical cable joining point A.

[0083] In particular, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1(c), a portion of the optical fiber cable 32 is bonded to the electrical cables 61, 62 such that the portion runs along the body portion H1 of the electrical cables 61, 62 and is supported by the body portion H1. Thus, the optical fiber cable 32 forms an optical-electrical cable bundle H.

[0084] More specifically, the optical-electrical cable bundle H is formed by binding, made with binding elements 65, at a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction of the supported portion F1 of the optical fiber cable 32. The binding elements 65 each form ring shapes to wind around the optical-electrical cable bundle H at different locations in the longitudinal direction of the supported portion F1 of the optical-electrical cable bundle H.

[0085] Both a part of the supported portion F1 and a part of the upstream portion F2 are arranged at positions within an internal body covered region BR.

[0086] The internal body coverage region BR is one of the following two regions. The internal body coverage region BR includes an overlap of the following two regions. (A) A region (in Fig. 1(a) R1) which is closer to the vehicle center C than an outermost surface of the body cover 18 in the vehicle width direction W, for example, in the plan view shown in Fig. 1(a), wherein the region is located inside the vehicle body 10 and is hidden from view from outside the vehicle 1. (B) A region (in Fig. 1(b) R2), which is positioned further in the downward direction than an uppermost portion of the seat 17, for example in the side view shown in Fig. 1(b), wherein the region is located inside the vehicle body 10 and is hidden from view from outside the vehicle 1.

[0087] The region located inside the vehicle body 10 and hidden from view from outside the vehicle 1 is a region hidden from view from outside the vehicle 1 due to a vehicle component that is in contact with, for example, a driver riding on the vehicle 1 while the vehicle 1 is moving.

[0088] Furthermore, the region located inside the vehicle body 10 and hidden from view from the outside of the vehicle 1 is a region hidden from view from the outside of the vehicle 1 due to a leg load component, for example, which receives a load from a leg of the driver riding on the vehicle 1 while the vehicle 1 is moving. The leg load component is, for example, the body cover 18, the seat 17, the fuel tank 16, or a dummy tank (not shown).

[0089] The optical-electrical cable bundle H has a rigidity higher than the rigidity of the supported portion F1 of the optical fiber cable 32 constituting the optical-electrical cable bundle H. More specifically, the optical-electrical cable bundle H has a bending rigidity higher than the bending rigidity of the supported portion F1 of the optical fiber cable 32. This makes it easy to maintain the shape of the optical fiber cable 32 and suppress free displacement or deformation of the optical fiber cable 32 caused by vibration or the like.

[0090] A direct distance from the light output point 31a of the light source unit 30 to the optical cable joining point A is shorter than a direct distance from an electricity output point 66a of the electric power supply unit 66 to the optical cable joining point A.

[0091] A length of a part of the optical fiber cable 32 from the light output point 31a of the light source unit 30 to the optical cable joining point A is shorter than a length of a part of the electric cable 62 from the electricity output point 66a of the electric power supply unit 66 to the optical cable joining point A.

[0092] Each of the electric wires 61, 62 has the core wire made of a metal and therefore has a bending rigidity higher than the bending rigidity of the optical fiber cable 32. When the electric wires 61, 62 receive an external bending force, their elastic deformation range is smaller than the elastic deformation range of the optical fiber cable 32. This means that after receiving an external bending force, the electric wires 61, 62 are likely to undergo plastic deformation. Accordingly, when the electric wires 61, 62 are bent during assembly of the vehicle 1, for example, they are likely to retain their bent shapes. In other words, the electric wires 61, 62 are more likely to retain their shapes than the optical fiber cable 32.In addition, the part of the optical fiber cable 32 that runs along the body portion H1 of the electric wires 61, 62 and is supported by the body portion H1 is likely to suppress free deformation or displacement caused by vibration or the like, compared to the optical fiber cable 32 as a whole. Consequently, deformation and / or displacement of the optical fiber cable 32 can be prevented or suppressed. Thus, when the optical fiber cable 32 is arranged to pass through a narrow space between components, such as a frame 11, of the vehicle body 10, contact of the optical fiber cable 32 with any component of the vehicle body 10 can be prevented or suppressed.

[0093] The supported portion F1 of the optical fiber cable 32 is bonded to the body portion H1 of the electrical cables 61, 62 to form the optical-electrical cable bundle H. This makes it easier to maintain the shape of the optical fiber cable 32 and makes it easy to suppress free displacement or deformation of the optical fiber cable 32 caused by vibration or the like.

[0094] Since the electrical wires 61, 62 are arranged at positions near or adjacent to the supported portion F1 of the optical fiber cable 32, the optical fiber cable 32 is substantially protected by the electrical wires 61, 62. Direct contact of the optical fiber cable 32 with any component of the vehicle body 10 is likely to be suppressed. Even if the optical fiber cable 32 directly contacts a component, deformation, displacement, or damage to the optical fiber cable 32 can be prevented or suppressed because the optical fiber cable 32 is supported by the electrical wires 61, 62. Accordingly, an increase in the space between components of the vehicle body 10 can be prevented or suppressed. In addition, the electrical wires 61, 62 originally provided in the vehicle 1 are also used to support the optical fiber cable 32, and this can contribute to suppressing an increase in the installation space.In this way, both protection of the optical fiber cable 32 and suppression of enlargement of the vehicle 1 can be achieved.

[0095] The optical-electrical cable bundle H is formed by binding, made with the binding members 65, at a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction of the optical-electrical cable bundle H. This further makes it easier to maintain the shape of the optical fiber cable 32, and further makes it easier to suppress free displacement or deformation of the optical fiber cable 32 caused by vibration or the like.

[0096] The binding elements 65, which in Fig. 1(c), hold the cables (32, 61, 62) at the plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction of the optical-electrical cable bundle H so as to restrict free displacement of adjacent cables (32, 61, 62) relative to each other in the optical-electrical cable bundle H.

[0097] In the optical-electrical cable bundle H, adjacent cables (32, 61, 62) are maintained such that their side surfaces are in contact with each other at the plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction of the optical-electrical cable bundle H.

[0098] Contact friction on the side surfaces of the adjacent cables (32, 61, 62) is used to further make it easier to keep the shape and to make it easier to suppress free displacement or deformation caused by vibration or the like.

[0099] Furthermore, since the distance from the light output point 31a to the optical fiber joining point A is short, contact with a component of the vehicle 1 caused by vibration in the internal body covered region BR is suppressed. This improves the protection of the optical fiber cable 32.

[0100] Since the portion of the optical fiber cable 32 from the light output point 31a to the optical cable joining point A is short, contact with a component of the vehicle 1 caused by vibration in the internal body covered region BR is further suppressed. This improves the protection of the optical fiber cable 32.

[0101] The vehicle body 10 and the optical-electrical cable bundle H are shown in FIG. Fig. 1(a) to 1(c) as further described.

[0102] The vehicle body 10 comprises a main body M and a movable part D.

[0103] The main body M includes the seat 17 and the body cover 18. The main body M also includes the frame 11 to which the seat 17 and the body cover 18 are attached.

[0104] The movable part D is steered to move together with a part of the wheels 14, as well as relative to the main body M. The movable part D is composed of a front fork 12 and a steering part 19. The movable part D also includes the light-using devices 40 fixed to the front fork 12 or the steering part 19, and the starter switch serving as the electrical unit 63.

[0105] The movable part D shifts during steering. Thus, the displacement of the movable part D occurs at a relatively high frequency.

[0106] The optical-electrical cable bundle H is arranged so as to extend across the main body M and the movable part D. Specifically, the optical-electrical cable bundle H extends across the frame 11 of the main body M and the front fork 12 of the movable part D. More specifically, the optical fiber cable 32, which is a part of the optical-electrical cable bundle H and extends along the frame 11 together with the electric cables 61, 62, is arranged across the front fork 12, is then separated from the electric cables 61, 62, and extends further.

[0107] The optical fiber cable 32 not only extends over the main body M and the movable part D, but also the optical-electrical cable bundle H extends over the main body M and the movable part D. This can prevent or suppress contact of the optical fiber cable 32 with another component. [Second embodiment]

[0108] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an optical-electrical cable bundle in a second embodiment of the present teaching.

[0109] An optical-electrical cable bundle H', which is Fig. 2 is formed by spiral binding made with a binding member 57. The optical-electrical cable bundle H' binds an optical fiber cable 32 and electrical cables 61, 62 together along the longitudinal direction.

[0110] In particular, the binding element 57 is a soft strip-shaped element. The binding element 57 is spirally wound around the optical fiber cable 32 and the electrical cables 61, 62.

[0111] In the optical-electrical cable bundle H', adjacent cables (32, 61, 62) are maintained such that their side surfaces are in contact with each other over the entire area in the longitudinal direction of the optical-electrical cable bundle H'. [Application example of connection training]

[0112] Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of devices to which the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown connection design is applicable.

[0113] The configuration of the optical fiber cable 32 described in each of the above embodiments is described as, for example, an optical fiber cable 32 for guiding a laser beam to each element of a rear turn signal 51, a headlight 52, a brake lamp 53, a license plate lamp 54, and a meter lamp 55 shown in Fig. 3 are applicable. Although the drawing shows light-utilizing devices 40 arranged on the left side of the vehicle 1 as an example of the devices to which a laser beam is guided through the optical fiber cable 32 (see Fig. 1 or Fig.2), the configuration of the optical fiber cable 32 is also applicable to a right-turn signal (not shown). The configuration of the optical fiber cable 32 is applicable as an optical fiber cable 32 for guiding a laser beam to a high beam headlamp and a low beam headlamp included in the headlamp 52. In a case where the vehicle 1 includes a parking light, a daytime running light, or an auxiliary headlamp other than the headlamp 52, the configuration of the optical fiber cable 32 is also applicable as an optical fiber cable 32 for guiding a laser beam to a position light or a daytime running light, or even to an auxiliary headlamp. For ease of viewing the devices, the illustration of the optical fiber cable 32 is omitted.

[0114] The design of the optical fiber cable 32 is applicable not only to a lighting device, but also, for example, as an optical fiber cable 32 for guiding a laser beam for communication purposes to an optical transmission device 56 used for optical communication. The optical transmission device 56 transmits data by outputting light to peripheral equipment of the vehicle 1 or to any part of the vehicle 1.

[0115] The configuration of the optical fiber cable 32 for guiding a laser beam according to each of the above embodiments can be applied to, for example, all of the rear turn signal 51, headlight 52, brake lamp 53, license plate lamp 54, meter lamp 55, and optical transmission device 56 mentioned above. The configuration of the optical fiber cable 32 for guiding a laser beam can be applied to, for example, a portion of the above-mentioned devices. In this case, a different connection configuration is used for the remaining devices. It may not always be necessary to use a laser beam for the remaining devices. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle 10 vehicle body 14, 15 wheels 16 Fuel tank 17 seats 18 Body Cover 30 light source unit 31a Light output point 32 optical fiber cables 40 Light utilization device 60 electrical units 61, 62 electrical cable 63, 64 electrical unit 57, 65 connecting element 66 electrical power supply unit 66a Electricity distribution point A optical cable splice point BR internal body covered region C Vehicle center D moving part F1 worn section F2 upstream section H, H' electrical cable bundle H1 fuselage section H2 branch section M main body

Claims

[1] A vehicle which is a tilt vehicle or a spread seat vehicle, the vehicle having the following features: a vehicle body having a seat and a body cover, the seat being adapted for a driver to sit thereon, the body cover forming an external appearance of the vehicle visible in a side view, the vehicle body supporting a plurality of wheels; a light source unit that emits a laser beam for illumination or communication purposes; one or more light utilizing devices that utilize the laser beam supplied from the light source unit; an optical fiber cable configured to guide the laser beam from the light source unit to the one or more light utilizing devices; an electrical power supply unit; a plurality of electrical units; and an electric cable having a body portion and a plurality of branch portions branching from the body portion, the body portion being electrically connected to the electric power supply unit, the plurality of branch portions being electrically connected to the plurality of respective electric units, wherein the optical fiber cable has a supported portion and an upstream portion, wherein the supported portion runs along and is supported by the body portion of the electrical cable, wherein the upstream portion extends from the light source unit to the supported portion without being supported by the body portion, wherein the optical fiber cable is arranged such that both at least a part of the carried portion and at least a part of the upstream portion are arranged at positions within a body-internal covered region, wherein the internal body region covered is at least one of the following: a region that is closer to a vehicle center than an outermost surface of the body cover when viewed from above in the vehicle width direction, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle, or a region positioned further in a downward direction than an uppermost portion of the seat when viewed from the side, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle. [2] The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the internal body covered region is at least one of the following: a region that is closer to a vehicle center than an outermost surface of the body cover when viewed from above in the vehicle width direction, the region being inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle due to a vehicle component that is in contact with a driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving, or a region positioned further in a downward direction than an uppermost portion of the seat when viewed from the side, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle due to a vehicle component that is in contact with a driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving. [3] The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal body covered region is at least one of the following: a region that is closer to a vehicle center than an outermost surface of the body cover when viewed in the vehicle width direction, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle due to a leg load component that receives a load from a leg of a driver riding on the vehicle while it is moving, or a region positioned further downward than an uppermost portion of the seat when viewed from the side, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle due to the leg load component that receives a load from a leg of a driver riding on the vehicle while the vehicle is moving. [4] The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the internal covered region is at least one of the following: a region that is closer to a vehicle center than an outermost surface of the body cover when viewed in the vehicle width direction, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle by the seat, a fuel tank, or a dummy tank, or a region positioned further in the downward direction than an uppermost portion of the seat when viewed from the side, the region being located inside the vehicle body and hidden from view from outside the vehicle by the body cover. [5] The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the supported portion of the optical fiber cable is bonded to the body portion so as to extend along and be supported by the body portion of the electrical cable to form an optical-electrical cable bundle. [6] The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the optical-electrical cable bundle has a rigidity that is stronger than the rigidity of the supported portion of the optical fiber cable. [7] The vehicle according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the optical-electrical cable bundle is configured to maintain a state in which side surfaces of the supported portion and the body portion, which are adjacent to each other, are in contact with each other over an entire area or at a plurality of locations in a longitudinal direction of the optical-electrical cable bundle. [8] The vehicle according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the optical-electrical cable bundle is formed such that a relative free displacement between the supported portion and the body portion, which are adjacent to each other in the optical-electrical cable bundle, is restricted in an entire area or at a plurality of locations in a longitudinal direction of the optical-electrical cable bundle. [9] The vehicle according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the optical-electrical cable bundle is formed by ring-shaped binding made with binding members at a plurality of locations in a longitudinal direction of the optical-electrical cable bundle or by spiral binding made with a binding member. [10] The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a direct distance between a light output point of the light source unit and an optical cable joining point is shorter than a direct distance between an electricity output point of the electric power supply unit and the optical cable joining point, and the optical cable joining point corresponds to a boundary position between the supported portion and the upstream portion. [11] The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a length of a part of the optical fiber cable from a light output point of the light source unit to an optical cable joining point is shorter than a length of a part of the electric cable from an electricity output point of the electric power supply unit to the optical cable joining point, and the optical cable joining point corresponds to a boundary position between the supported portion and the upstream portion. [12] The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the vehicle body comprises: a main body with the seat and the body cover and a movable part adapted to be steerable to translate together with a part of the wheels and relative to the main body, and wherein both the body portion and the supported portion or only the body portion are arranged to extend over the main body and the movable part.

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