WO2008004782A1

WO2008004782A1 - Amphibious vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2008004782A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/003149
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hyo-Seung Lee
Original assignee: Hyo-Seung Lee
Priority date: 2006-07-03
Filing date: 2007-06-28
Publication date: 2008-01-10
Also published as: KR100721319B1

Abstract

An amphibious vehicle capable of moving on land and water, which includes a ladder-shaped inner frame; horizontal frames; vertical frames; an upper plate placed on the vertical frames; an engine placed on the inner frame; power transmission shafts connected to the engine; drive axles disposed at front and rear wheel ends of the power transmission shaft; front and rear wheel shafts connected to the drive axles; front wheel cylinders; rear wheel cylinders; a steering gear for steering the front wheel shaft; a steering wheel connected to the steering gear; and caterpillar shoes, wherein the caterpillar shoes are sequentially connected such that they rotate along with the cylinders. The amphibious vehicle can float on water using buoyant shoes as well as move on land by rotating the shoes, and thus can move on land at low tide and move on water like a ship at high tide.

Description

AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an amphibious vehicle capable of moving on land and water, and more particularly, to an amphibious vehicle, which can float on water using a plurality of buoyant shoes disposed in a lower part thereof, as well as move on land by rotating the shoes.

[2]

Background Art

[3] As is well known in the art, when workers gather shellfish in coastal areas, they wait until gathering areas are exposed at low tide and then walk to the gathering areas. At high tide, they have to return to land on a ship since it is impossible to return by walking.

[4] However, this is very inconvenient for the workers, since they have to walk to the gathering areas at low tide and wait for the ship to return. Also, if a number of workers are working in several areas, the ship has to circulate in these areas to transport the workers. This greatly lengthens the time taken for the workers to return.

[5]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[6] The present invention has been made to solve the foregoing problems with the prior art, and therefore an object of the present invention is to provide an amphibious vehicle capable of moving on land and water, and more particularly, to provide an amphibious vehicle, which can float on water using a plurality of buoyant shoes disposed in a lower part thereof as well as move on land by rotating the shoes, and thus can move on land at low tide and move on water like a ship at high tide in order to transport workers who gather shellfish.

[7]

Technical Solution

[8] According to a first embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object, there is provided an amphibious vehicle including a ladder- shaped inner frame; a pair of horizontal frames disposed on outer sides of a pair of longitudinal edges of the inner frame; a plurality of vertical frames vertically erected on the horizontal frames; an upper plate placed on the vertical frames, and having a rail disposed on and along edges thereof; an engine disposed on the inner frame; power transmission shafts connected to front and rear portions of the engine to transmit power from the engine to the front and rear; a pair of drive axles respectively disposed in a front wheel end and a rear wheel end of the power transmission shaft, each of the drive axles connected to a respective power transmission shaft to convert the direction of rotational driving force of the engine; front and rear wheel shafts, each of which is laterally oriented, and is connected to a respective drive axle to receive the rotational driving force therefrom; a pair of front wheel cylinders connected to both ends of the front wheel shaft to rotate along with the front wheel shaft; a pair of rear wheel cylinders connected to both ends of the rear wheel shaft to rotate along with the rear wheel shaft; a steering gear disposed in a central portion of the front wheel shaft to steer the front wheel shaft in the right or left direction within a predetermined range; a steering wheel disposed on the upper plate and connected to the steering gear, wherein the front shaft is steered by the steering wheel; and pluralities of caterpillar shoes disposed in both areas between the inner frame and the outer horizontal frames, wherein the caterpillar shoes are sequentially connected, thereby forming a pair of endless chain structures, each of the endless chain structures surrounding one front wheel cylinder and one rear wheel cylinder, so that the caterpillar shoes rotate along with the cylinders.

[9] Preferably, each of the caterpillar shoes includes a base, which is linked to bases of adjacent caterpillar shoes to prevent the caterpillar shoes from escaping from the wheel cylinders, and hinges, which connect the base to the bases of the adjacent caterpillar shoes, the hinge protruding out from the base.

[10] Preferably, each of the caterpillar shoes comprises a tubular member made of rubber or metal, which is filled with air, and mutually engaging protrusions are provided in the bases of the caterpillar shoes and the cylinders.

[11] According to a second embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object, there is provided an amphibious vehicle including a ladder- shaped inner frame; a pair of horizontal frames disposed on outer sides of a pair of longitudinal edges of the inner frame; a plurality of vertical frames vertically erected on the horizontal frames; an upper plate placed on the vertical frames, and having a rail disposed on and along edges thereof; an engine disposed on the inner frame; a power transmission shaft connected to a rear portion of the engine to transmit power from the engine to a rear side; a drive axle disposed in a rear wheel side end of the power transmission shaft, and connected to the power transmission shaft to control power transmission in a right or left direction, wherein the drive axle converts a transmission direction of a rotational driving force of the engine from a longitudinal direction to a lateral direction; a front wheel shaft, which is laterally disposed in a front end; a pair of front wheel cylinders connected to both ends of the front wheel shaft to rotate along with the front wheel shaft; a rear wheel shaft, which is laterally disposed in a rear end, and is connected to the drive axle to receive the rotational driving force therefrom; a pair of rear wheel cylinders connected to both ends of the rear wheel shaft to rotate along with the rear wheel shaft; and pluralities of caterpillar shoes disposed in both areas between the inner frame and the outer horizontal frames, wherein the caterpillar shoes are sequentially connected, thereby forming a pair of endless chain structures, each of the endless chain structures surrounding one front wheel cylinder and one rear wheel cylinder, so that the caterpillar shoes rotate along with the cylinders.

[12] Preferably, each of the caterpillar shoes includes a base, which is linked to bases of adjacent caterpillar shoes to prevent the caterpillar shoes from escaping from the wheel cylinders, and hinges, which connect the base to the bases of the adjacent caterpillar shoes, the hinge protruding out from the base.

[13] Preferably, each of the caterpillar shoes comprises a tubular member made of rubber or metal, which is filled with air, and mutually engaging protrusions are provided in the bases of the caterpillar shoes and the cylinders.

[14] According to a third embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object, there is provided an amphibious vehicle including a ladder- shaped inner frame; a pair of horizontal frames disposed on outer sides of a pair of longitudinal edges of the inner frame; a plurality of vertical frames vertically erected on the horizontal frames; an upper plate placed on the vertical frames, and having a rail disposed on and along edges thereof; an engine disposed on the inner frame; power transmission shafts connected to front and rear portions of the engine to transmit power from the engine to front and rear sides; a pair of drive axles respectively disposed at a front wheel end and a rear wheel end of the power transmission shaft, each of the drive axles connected to a respective power transmission shaft to convert the direction of rotational driving force of the engine; front and rear wheel shafts, each of which is laterally disposed, and is connected to a respective drive axle to receive the rotational driving force therefrom; a pair of front wheel cylinders connected to both ends of the front wheel shaft to rotate along with the front wheel shaft; a pair of rear wheel cylinders connected to both ends of the rear wheel shaft to rotate along with the rear wheel shaft; a steering gear disposed in a central portion of the front wheel shaft to steer the front wheel shaft in the right or left direction within a predetermined range; a steering wheel disposed on the upper plate and connected to the steering gear, wherein the front shaft is steered by the steering wheel; and pluralities of front wheel shoes and pluralities of rear wheel shoes disposed in both areas between the inner frame and the outer horizontal frames, wherein the caterpillar shoes are sequentially connected, thereby surrounding one of the front and rear wheel cylinders, so that the wheel shoes rotate along with the cylinders.

[15] Preferably, each of the wheel shoes includes a base, which is linked to bases of adjacent wheel shoes to prevent the wheel shoes from escaping from the wheel cylinders, and hinges, which connect the base to the bases of adjacent wheel shoes, the hinges protruding out from the bases.

[16] Preferably, each of the wheel shoes comprises a tubular member made of rubber or metal, which is filled with air, and mutually engaging protrusions are provided in the bases of the wheel shoes and the cylinders.

Advantageous Effects

[17] As set forth above, the amphibious vehicle according to the present invention can float on water using a plurality of buoyant shoes disposed in a lower part thereof as well as move on land by rotating the shoes. Accordingly, the amphibious vehicle can move on land at low tide and move on water like a ship at high tide in order to transport workers who gather shellfish. [18]

Brief Description of the Drawings [19] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an amphibious vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [20] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view illustrating the amphibious vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [21] FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view illustrating the caterpillar shoes of the amphibious vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [22] FIG. 4 is a bottom view illustrating the caterpillar shoes of the amphibious vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [23] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an amphibious vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [24] FIG. 6 is a bottom view illustrating the caterpillar shoes of the amphibious vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [25] FIG. 7 is a schematic side elevation view illustrating shoes of an amphibious vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and [26] FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating the shoes of the amphibious vehicle according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [27] <Major Reference Signs of the Drawings>

[28] 1: upper plate 2: horizontal frame

[29] 3: vertical frame 4: engine

[30] 5: power transmission shaft 6, 7: drive axle

[31] 8: steering gear box 9: front wheel cylinder

[32] 10: rear wheel cylinder 11: front wheel shaft

[33] 12: rear wheel shaft 20: caterpillar shoe

[34] 21: base 22: hinge [35] 30: front wheel shoe 30': rear wheel shoe

[36]

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[37] The amphibious vehicle according to the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[38] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an amphibious vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side elevation view illustrating the amphibious vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view illustrating the caterpillar shoes of the amphibious vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a bottom view illustrating the caterpillar shoes of the amphibious vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[39] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the amphibious vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention generally includes a ladder-shaped inner frame 13, a pair of horizontal frames 2 connected to outer sides of a pair of longitudinal edges of the inner frame 13, a plurality of vertical frames 3 erected on the horizontal frames 2, an upper plate 1 placed on the vertical frames 3, and a rail 16 disposed on and along the edge of the upper plate 1.

[40] An engine 4 for generating driving force is placed on the inner frame 13 so as to protrude above the upper plate 1. The engine 4 may be implemented as a marine propulsion engine, which is commonly used for a small size ship, or an electric motor.

[41] The engine 4 is connected, at front and rear ends thereof, with respective power transmission shafts 5, which act to transmit power from the engine 4 to front and rear wheel sides. The connection structure between the front and rear power transmission shafts 5 and the engine 4 is well known to those skilled in the art, and thus will not be described further.

[42] A drive axle 6 is disposed in the front wheel side end of the power transmission shaft 5, and another drive axle 7 is disposed in the rear wheel side end of the power transmission shaft 5. The drive axles 6 and 7 are connected to the power transmission shafts 5 to convert the transmission direction of the driving force of the engine 4. That is, the driving force turning the power transmission shafts 5, which are oriented in the lengthwise direction, is converted perpendicularly to turn front and rear wheel shafts 11 and 12, which are laterally oriented.

[43] The front and rear wheel shafts 11 and 12 are members that are laterally arranged in the front and rear wheel sides. The front wheel shaft 11 is connected to the front drive axle 6 to be powered therefrom, and the rear wheel shaft 12 is connected to the rear drive axle 7 to be powered therefrom. Also, the front and rear wheel shafts 11 and 12 are supported by the vertical frames 3, which are vertically disposed at the opposing longitudinal sides.

[44] The front wheel shaft 11 is connected, at both ends, to front wheel cylinders 9, and the rear wheel shaft 12 is connected, at both ends, to rear wheel cylinders 10, so that the front and rear wheel cylinders 9 and 10 rotate in response to the rotation of the front and the rear wheel shafts 11 and 12.

[45] In this way, the power transmission shafts 5 are connected to the engine 4 and to the front and rear wheel shafts 11 and 12, so that the front wheel cylinders 9 and the rear wheel cylinders 10 are independently rotated by the rotational driving force. Accordingly, the amphibious vehicle of the present invention can realize a four (4) wheel drive vehicle structure.

[46] A steering gear 8 is disposed in the center of the front wheel shaft 11, and is connected via gears with a steering wheel 15, which is disposed on the upper plate 1. When the steering wheel 15 is turned to the right or the left, the front wheel shaft 11 moves to the right or the left within a predetermined range, so that the amphibious vehicle of the present invention can turn to the right or the left. The connection structure between the steering gear 8 and the steering wheel 15 is well known to those skilled in the art, as mentioned above, and thus will not be described further.

[47] Pluralities of caterpillar shoes 20 are sequentially connected, thereby forming a pair of endless chain structures (tracks), each of which surrounds one front wheel cylinder 9 and one rear wheel cylinder and 10, so that the caterpillar shoes 20 rotate along with the rotation of the cylinders 9 and 10.

[48] Bases 21 of the caterpillar shoes 20 are sequentially linked so that the caterpillar shoes 20 do not escape from the wheel cylinders 9 and 10. Hinges 22 in the bases 21 sequentially connect the caterpillar shoes 20 in such a fashion that the caterpillar shoes 20 can rotate with respect to each other.

[49] Accordingly, the hinges 22 enable the caterpillar shoes 20 to be disposed and rotate around the cylinders 9 and 10.

[50] Although not shown in detail, mutually engaging protrusions can be provided in the bases 21 and the cylinders 9 and 10. When such protrusions are provided, the caterpillar shoes 20 can be more securely linked, to thus maintain correct and stable positions during movement on the cylinders 9 and 10.

[51] A respective caterpillar shoe 20 extends out from the base in the form of a tube. Air is charged in the tube, thereby making the caterpillar shoe 20 buoyant, so that the caterpillar shoe 20 can float on water. The caterpillar shoe 20 can be formed of a rubber member or a metal member.

[52] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an amphibious vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a bottom view illustrating the caterpillar shoes of the amphibious vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[53] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the overall structure of the amphibious vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present invention is generally similar to that of the first embodiment. Like the first embodiment, the amphibious vehicle of this embodiment has a ladder-shaped inner frame 13, a pair of horizontal frames 2 connected to opposing outer sides of the inner frame 13, and a plurality of vertical frames 3 erected on the horizontal frames 2. The difference is that an upper plate 1 is disposed on the inner frame 13, particularly, in the area between right and left rows of the vertical frames 3, that is, between right and left chain structures of the caterpillar shoes 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the upper plate 1 has some portions extending over the caterpillar shoes 20, which act to block water that splashes as the caterpillar shoes 20 rotate. Front and rear rails 16 are disposed on the upper plate 1 for the purpose of safety.

[54] An engine 4 for generating driving force is placed on the inner frame 13, and protrudes above the upper plate 1. The engine 4 may be implemented as a marine propulsion engine of the type commonly used for a small size ship, or as an electric motor.

[55] The engine 4 is connected, at a rear end thereof, with a power transmission shaft 5, which acts to transmit power from the engine 4 to a rear wheel side. The connection structure between the rear power transmission shaft 5 and the engine 4 is well known to those skilled in the art, and thus will not be described further.

[56] A drive axle 7 is disposed in the rear wheel side end of the power transmission shaft

5. The drive axle 6 is connected to the power transmission shaft 5 to convert the direction of the driving force of the engine 4. That is, the driving force turning the power transmission shaft 5, which is oriented in the lengthwise direction, is converted perpendicularly to turn the rear wheel shaft 12, which is oriented laterally.

[57] The rear wheel shaft 12 is a member that is laterally oriented in the rear wheel end.

The rear wheel shaft 12 is connected to the rear drive axle 7 to be powered therefrom. Also, the rear wheel shaft 12 is supported by the vertical frames 3, which are vertically disposed at the opposing longitudinal sides.

[58] A front wheel shaft 11 is connected, at both ends, to front wheel cylinders 9, and the rear wheel shaft 12 is connected, at both ends, to rear wheel cylinders 10, so that the front and rear wheel cylinders 9 and 10 rotate in response to the rotation of the front and the rear wheel shafts 11 and 12. The front wheel cylinder 9 is connected to the rear wheel cylinder 10 through the caterpillar shoes 20. In the amphibious vehicle of the present invention, rotational driving force is transmitted from the engine 4 through the power transmission shaft 5 to the rear wheel shaft 12, so that the rotational driving force rotates the rear wheel cylinder 10, which in turn transmits the rotational driving force to the front wheel cylinder 9 through the caterpillar shoes.

[59] The drive axle 7 in the center of the rear wheel shaft 12, acts as a clutch to control power transmission to the right and left. That is, the drive axle 7 selectively cuts power transmission from the rear wheel shaft 12 to the right or left, so that the amphibious vehicle of the present invention can turn to the left or right with respect to the upper plate 1. Although this kind of clutch structure is not shown in the drawings, it is well known to those skilled in the art, and thus will not be described further.

[60] The pluralities of caterpillar shoes 20 are sequentially connected, thereby forming a pair of endless chain structures, each of which surrounds one front wheel cylinder 9 and one rear wheel cylinder 10, so that the caterpillar shoes 20 rotate along with the rotation of the cylinders 9 and 10.

[61] Bases 21 of the caterpillar shoes 20 are sequentially linked so that the caterpillar shoes 20 do not escape from respective wheel cylinders 9 and 10. Hinges 22 in the bases 21 sequentially connect the caterpillar shoes 20 in such a fashion that the caterpillar shoes 20 can rotate with respect to each other.

[62] Accordingly, the hinges 22 enable the caterpillar shoes 20 to wind and rotate around the cylinders 9 and 10.

[63] Although not shown in detail, mutually engaging protrusions can be provided in the bases 21 and the cylinders 9 and 10. When such protrusions are provided, the caterpillar shoes 20 can be more securely linked to maintain correct and stable positions during the movement on the cylinders 9 and 10.

[64] A respective caterpillar shoe 20 extends out from the base in the form of a tube. Air is charged in the tube, thereby making the caterpillar shoe 20 buoyant, so that the caterpillar shoe 20 can float on water. The caterpillar shoe 20 can be formed of a rubber member or a metal member.

[65] FIG. 7 is a schematic side elevation view illustrating shoes of an amphibious vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating the shoes of the amphibious vehicle according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[66] The amphibious vehicle according to the third embodiment of the present invention is generally similar to the amphibious vehicles of the first and second embodiments in terms of the overall structure, steering system, engine and power transmission thereof. The difference is that pluralities of front wheel shoes 30 are mounted to respective front cylinders 9 and pluralities of rear wheel shoes 30' are mounted to respective rear cylinders 10, unlike the caterpillar shoes of the first and second embodiments.

[67] The front wheel shoes 30 are arranged separately from the rear wheel shoes 30'. That is, front wheel shoes 30 are sequentially connected to each other, surrounding a respective front wheel cylinder 9, and rear wheel shoes 30' are sequentially connected to each other, surrounding a respective rear wheel cylinder 10, so that the front and rear wheel shoes 30 and 31' rotate along with the rotation of the cylinders 9 and 10.

[68] As in the caterpillar shoes 20, bases 21 of respective front and rear wheel shoes 30 and 31 ' are sequentially linked so that the wheel shoes 30 and 31 ' do not escape from the wheel cylinders 9 and 10. Hinges 22 in the bases 21 sequentially connect the wheel shoes 30, 30' in such a fashion that the wheel shoes 30, 30' can rotate with respect to each other.

[69] Bases 21 of the caterpillar shoes 20 are sequentially linked so that the caterpillar shoes 20 do not escape from the front and rear wheel cylinders 9 and 10. Hinges 22 in the bases 21 sequentially connect the caterpillar shoes 20 in such a fashion that the caterpillar shoes 20 can rotate with respect to each other.

[70] Although not shown in detail, mutually engaging protrusions can be provided in the bases 21 and the cylinders 9 and 10. When such protrusions are provided, the wheel shoes 30 and 30' can be more securely linked, to thus maintain correct and stable positions during the movement on the cylinders 9 and 10.

[71] A respective wheel shoe 30, 30' extends out from the base, in the form of a tube.

Air is charged in the tube, thereby making the wheel shoe 30, 30' buoyant, so that the wheel shoe 30, 30' can float on water. The wheel shoe 30, 30' can be formed of a rubber member or a metal member.

[72]

Industrial Applicability

[73] According to the present invention as set forth above, the amphibious vehicle can float on water using a plurality of buoyant shoes disposed in a lower part thereof, as well as move on land by rotating the shoes. Accordingly, the amphibious vehicle can move on land at low tide and move on water like a ship at high tide in order to transport workers who gather shellfish.

[74]

Claims

[1] An amphibious vehicle, comprising: a ladder- shaped inner frame; a pair of horizontal frames disposed on outer sides of a pair of longitudinal edges of the inner frame; a plurality of vertical frames vertically erected on the horizontal frames; an upper plate placed on the vertical frames, and having a rail disposed on and along edges thereof; an engine disposed on the inner frame; power transmission shafts connected to front and rear portions of the engine to transmit power from the engine to front and rear sides; a pair of drive axles disposed in a front wheel side end and a rear wheel side end of the power transmission shaft, each of the drive axles connected to a respective one of the power transmission shafts to convert a direction of rotational driving force of the engine; front and rear wheel shafts, each of which is laterally oriented and is connected to a respective one of the drive axles to receive the rotational driving force therefrom; a pair of front wheel cylinders connected to both ends of the front wheel shaft to rotate along with the front wheel shaft; a pair of rear wheel cylinders connected to both ends of the rear wheel shaft to rotate along with the rear wheel shaft; a steering gear disposed in a central portion of the front wheel shaft to steer the front wheel shaft in a right or left direction within a predetermined range; a steering wheel disposed on the upper plate and connected to the steering gear, wherein the front shaft is steered by the steering wheel; and *pluralities of caterpillar shoes disposed between the inner frame and the outer horizontal frames, wherein the caterpillar shoes are sequentially connected, thereby forming a pair of endless chain structures, each of the endless chain structures surrounding one front wheel cylinder and one rear wheel cylinder, so that the caterpillar shoes rotate along with the cylinders.

[2] The amphibious vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each of the caterpillar shoes includes a base, which is linked to bases of adjacent caterpillar shoes to prevent the caterpillar shoes from escaping from the wheel cylinders, and hinges, which connect the base to the bases of the adjacent caterpillar shoes, the hinge protruding out from the base.

[3] The amphibious vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each of the caterpillar shoes comprises a tubular member made of rubber or metal, which is filled with air. [4] The amphibious vehicle according to claim 2, wherein mutually engaging protrusions are provided in the bases of the caterpillar shoes and the cylinders. [5] An amphibious vehicle, comprising: a ladder- shaped inner frame; a pair of horizontal frames disposed on outer sides of a pair of longitudinal edges of the inner frame; a plurality of vertical frames vertically erected on the horizontal frames; an upper plate placed on the vertical frames, and having a rail disposed on and along edges thereof; an engine disposed on the inner frame; a power transmission shaft connected to a rear portion of the engine to transmit power from the engine to a rear side; a drive axle disposed in a rear wheel side end of the power transmission shaft, and connected to the power transmission shaft to control power transmission in a right or left direction, wherein the drive axle converts a transmission direction of a rotational driving force of the engine from a longitudinal direction to a lateral direction; a front wheel shaft, which is laterally disposed in a front side; a pair of front wheel cylinders connected to both ends of the front wheel shaft to rotate along with the front wheel shaft; a rear wheel shaft, which is laterally disposed in a rear side, and is connected to the drive axle to receive the rotational driving force therefrom; a pair of rear wheel cylinders connected to both ends of the rear wheel shaft to rotate along with the rear wheel shaft; and pluralities of caterpillar shoes disposed between the inner frame and the outer horizontal frames, wherein the caterpillar shoes are sequentially connected, thereby forming a pair of endless chain structures, each of the endless chain structures surrounding one front wheel cylinder and one rear wheel cylinder, so that the caterpillar shoes rotate along with the cylinders. [6] The amphibious vehicle according to claim 5, wherein each of the caterpillar shoes includes a base, which is linked to bases of adjacent caterpillar shoes to prevent the caterpillar shoes from escaping from the wheel cylinders, and hinges, which connect the base to the bases of the adjacent caterpillar shoes, the hinge protruding out from the base. [7] The amphibious vehicle according to claim 5, wherein each of the caterpillar shoes comprises a tubular member made of rubber or metal, which is filled with air. [8] The amphibious vehicle according to claim 5, wherein mutually engaging protrusions are provided in the bases of the caterpillar shoes and the cylinders. [9] An amphibious vehicle, comprising: a ladder- shaped inner frame; a pair of horizontal frames disposed on outer sides of a pair of longitudinal edges of the inner frame; a plurality of vertical frames vertically erected on the horizontal frames; an upper plate placed on the vertical frames, and having a rail disposed on and al ong edges thereof; an engine disposed on the inner frame; power transmission shafts connected to front and rear portions of the engine to transmit power from the engine to front and rear sides; a pair of drive axles disposed in a front wheel side end and a rear wheel side end of the power transmission shaft, each of the drive axles connected to a respective one of the power transmission shafts to convert a direction of rotational driving force of the engine; front and rear wheel shafts, each of which is laterally disposed, and is connected to a respective one of the drive axles to receive the rotational driving force therefrom; a pair of front wheel cylinders connected to both ends of the front wheel shaft to rotate along with the front wheel shaft; a pair of rear wheel cylinders connected to both ends of the rear wheel shaft to rotate along with the rear wheel shaft; a steering gear disposed in a central portion of the front wheel shaft to steer the front wheel shaft in a right or left direction within a predetermined range; a steering wheel disposed on the upper plate and connected to the steering gear, wherein the front shaft is steered by the steering wheel; and pluralities of front wheel shoes and pluralities of rear wheel shoes disposed between the inner frame and the outer horizontal frames, wherein the caterpillar shoes are sequentially connected, thereby surrounding one of the front and rear wheel cylinders, so that the wheel shoes rotate along with the cylinders. [10] The amphibious vehicle according to claim 9, wherein each of the wheel shoes includes a base, which is linked to bases of adjacent wheel shoes to prevent the wheel shoes from escaping from the wheel cylinders, and hinges, which connect the base to the bases of the adjacent wheel shoes, the hinge protruding out from the base. [11] The amphibious vehicle according to claim 9, wherein each of the wheel shoes comprises a tubular member made of rubber or metal, which is filled with air. [12] The amphibious vehicle according to claim 9, wherein mutually engaging protrusions are provided in the bases of the wheel shoes and the cylinders.