Patent Publication Number: US-11390051-B2

Title: Manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus for pouch container

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container (which may be hereinafter simply referred to as a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus, respectively), and more particularly to a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container having a barrel portion provided with a gusset portion on at least one end side in its axial direction. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     There are various types of pouch containers, such as a stand-up type pouch container having a barrel portion and a bottom gusset portion, a spout-type pouch container having a barrel portion and a spouted top gusset portion, and a stand-up type spouted pouch container having a barrel portion, a bottom gusset portion, and a spouted top gusset portion. 
     In general, a pouch container having at least one of such a top gusset portion and a bottom gusset portion is often manufactured by joining film members to one another that are prepared as materials including: a front-side film member forming a front wall portion of the barrel portion; a rear-side film member forming a rear wall portion of the barrel portion; and a film member for a gusset portion that is intended to form a gusset portion. 
     However, in the pouch container manufactured as described above, the front-side film member and the rear-side film member are overlapped with each other and joined to each other, to thereby form precipitous portions along both edges in the width direction of the barrel portion. This causes a problem that the feel of touch is impaired when the pouch container is gripped by a hand. 
     In order to solve the above-described problem, it is effective to join a film member for a gusset portion to an axial end portion of a tubular film member that has a barrel portion formed by rolling a single film-like member into a tubular shape and joining the end portions of the tubular shape to each other. A pouch container configured in this way is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2001-171689 (PTL 1). 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     PTL 1: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2001-171689 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     However, since such a tubular film member having a barrel portion has a three-dimensional shape, it is not easy to join a film member for a gusset portion to this tubular film member, which may causes a problem that the manufacturing process becomes difficult. Pouch containers consumed in large quantities require sufficiently enhanced production efficiency particularly in consideration of mass production. 
     In this regard, the above-mentioned PTL 1 fails to mention as to how to specifically configure a manufacturing apparatus, but discloses a manufacturing method for a pouch container, by which a stand-up type pouch container having a barrel portion and a bottom gusset portion can be relatively efficiently manufactured. 
     Specifically, referring to  FIG. 8 , PTL 1 discloses a manufacturing method for a pouch container, by which a plurality of pouch containers are continuously manufactured as follows. Specifically, a cut is made in advance at a prescribed position in an opening end located on one end side in the axial direction of each of a plurality of tubular film members. A single belt-shaped film member having portions that are to be formed as bottom gusset portions and connected to each other in the long-side direction is folded in the short-side direction. Then, the plurality of tubular film members are sequentially placed on the single belt-shaped film member such that the single belt-shaped film member is sandwiched between the opening ends of the plurality of tubular film members. Then, the plurality of tubular film members and the single belt-shaped film member are joined to each other, from which the single belt-shaped film member is cut off. Thus, a plurality of pouch containers are continuously manufactured. 
     However, the manufacturing method for a pouch container disclosed in PTL 1 cannot be recognized as achieving sufficiently enhanced production efficiency, and still needs to be improved in many points, for example, as to how to specifically configure the manufacturing apparatus. 
     Even if the manufacturing method for a pouch container disclosed in PTL 1 is employed as it is, it is difficult to manufacture a spouted pouch container having a barrel portion and a spouted top gusset portion, or a stand-up type spouted pouch container having a barrel portion, a bottom gusset portion, and a spouted top gusset portion. Even if these types of pouch containers can be manufactured, it is still very difficult to efficiently manufacture these pouch containers. Thus, also in this point, the manufacturing method for a pouch container disclosed in PTL 1 still needs to be improved in many points, including as to how to specifically configure the manufacturing apparatus. 
     Thus, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container, by which a pouch container having a barrel portion and a gusset portion can be produced in large quantities with high production efficiency. 
     Solution to Problem 
     A manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the present invention is to continuously manufacture a plurality of pouch containers from materials including: a plurality of separate-type tubular film members each including a portion to be formed as a barrel portion of a pouch container: a single first belt-shaped film member including a plurality of portions each to be formed as a top gusset portion or a bottom gusset portion of the pouch container; and a single second belt-shaped film member including a plurality of portions each to be formed as a top gusset portion or a bottom gusset portion of the pouch container. The manufacturing method includes: conveying each of the separate-type tubular film members in an aligned state on a conveyance path; closing at least a portion of a first opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members by a portion of the single first belt-shaped film member in a first attachment process region provided on the conveyance path, wherein the first opening end is located on one end side in an axial direction of each of the separate-type tubular film members; and closing at least a portion of a second opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members by a portion of the single second belt-shaped film member in a second attachment process region provided on the conveyance path, wherein the second opening end is located on the other end side in the axial direction of each of the separate-type tubular film members. 
     In the conveying each of the separate-type tubular film members, each of the separate-type tubular film members is disposed on the conveyance path in a state where a conveyance direction on the conveyance path is orthogonal to the axial direction, and flatly folded such that a pair of bent portions are formed at both end portions orthogonal to the axial direction, and a cut is made in each of an end portion close to the first opening end and an end portion close to the second opening end in an extending direction of the pair of bent portions, to allow each of the separate-type tubular film members to be conveyed in a state where a first joining margin and a second joining margin are provided in the first opening end and the second opening end, respectively. 
     The closing at least a portion of the first opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members by a portion of the single first belt-shaped film member includes: supplying the single first belt-shaped film member to the first opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members by conveying the single first belt-shaped film member in parallel with the separate-type tubular film members at a same speed as a conveyance speed of the separate-type tubular film members, so as to cause the single first belt-shaped film member to overlap with the first joining margin of each of the separate-type tubular film members, the first joining margin being in an opened state; and joining the first joining margin of each of the separate-type tubular film members to a portion of the single first belt-shaped film member that overlaps with the first joining margin. 
     The closing at least a portion of the second opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members by a portion of the single second belt-shaped film member includes: supplying the single second belt-shaped film member to the second opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members by conveying the single second belt-shaped film member in parallel with the separate-type tubular film members at a same speed as a conveyance speed of the separate-type tubular film members, so as to cause the single second belt-shaped film member to overlap with the second joining margin of each of the separate-type tubular film members, the second joining margin being in an opened state; and joining the second joining margin of each of the separate-type tubular film members to a portion of the single second belt-shaped film member that overlaps with the second joining margin. 
     According to the manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present invention, it is preferable that the first attachment process region and the second attachment process region are provided on a same line. 
     According to the manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present invention, it is preferable that the first attachment process region and the second attachment process region are provided at a same position in the conveyance direction, such that the closing at least a portion of the first opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members by a portion of the single first belt-shaped film member is performed at a same timing as a timing of performing the closing at least a portion of the second opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members by a portion of the single second belt-shaped film member. 
     The manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present invention may further include: feeding a single third belt-shaped film member in a long-side direction of the single third belt-shaped film member; providing pairs of slits at prescribed intervals in the long-side direction in the fed single third belt-shaped film member, wherein slits of each of the pairs of slits are spaced apart from each other in a short-side direction of the single third belt-shaped film member and extend in the long-side direction; rolling the single third belt-shaped film member into a tube shape in a direction orthogonal to a feed direction of the single third belt-shaped film member, and joining end portions in the short-side direction of the rolled single third belt-shaped film member, to fabricate a single elongated tubular film member; and dividing the single elongated tubular film member along a line crossing each of the pairs of slits to fabricate the separate-type tubular film members. 
     The manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present invention may further include: before the supplying the single first belt-shaped film member to the first opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members, spreading the first joining margin of each of the separate-type tubular film members to be opened in a first spreading process region provided on the conveyance path; and before the supplying the single second belt-shaped film member to the second opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members, spreading the second joining margin of each of the separate-type tubular film members to be opened in a second spreading process region provided on the conveyance path. 
     The manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present invention may further include: cutting off a portion of the single first belt-shaped film member from the single first belt-shaped film member in a first cutting process region provided on the conveyance path, wherein the portion of the single first belt-shaped film member closes the first opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members; and cutting off a portion of the single second belt-shaped film member from the single second belt-shaped film member in a second cutting process region provided on the conveyance path, wherein the portion of the single second belt-shaped film member closes the second opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members. 
     According to the manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present invention, one pouch container of a plurality of pouch containers continuously manufactured may be formed at least by: one separate-type tubular film member of the separate-type tubular film members; a portion of the single first belt-shaped film member that closes the first opening end of the one separate-type tubular film member; and a portion of the single second belt-shaped film member that closes the second opening end of the one separate-type tubular film member. 
     In this case, the one separate-type tubular film member is formed as a barrel portion of the one pouch container, the portion of the single first belt-shaped film member that closes the first opening end of the one separate-type tubular film member is formed as a top gusset portion of the one pouch container, and the portion of the single second belt-shaped film member that closes the second opening end of the one separate-type tubular film member is formed as a bottom gusset portion of the one pouch container. 
     According to the manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present invention, each of a plurality of the portions in the single first belt-shaped film member that each are to be formed as a top gusset portion of a pouch container may be provided with a spout in advance in a state before each of the plurality of the portions in the single first belt-shaped film member is supplied to the first opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members. 
     The manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present invention may further include: dividing each of the separate-type tubular film members into a first tubular film member and a second tubular film member by cutting off each of the separate-type tubular film members at one position in the axial direction, wherein the first tubular film member includes the first opening end closed by the portion of the single first belt-shaped film member, and the second tubular film member includes the second opening end closed by the portion of the single second belt-shaped film member. 
     According to the manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present invention, it is preferable that the dividing each of the separate-type tubular film members into the first tubular film member and the second tubular film member is performed in a third cutting process region provided on the conveyance path. 
     According to the manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present invention, one pouch container of a plurality of pouch containers continuously manufactured may be formed at least by: one first tubular film member of a plurality of the first tubular film members; and a portion of the single first belt-shaped film member that closes the first opening end of the one first tubular film member. In this case, the one first tubular film member is formed as a barrel portion of the one pouch container, and the portion of the single first belt-shaped film member that closes the first opening end of the one first tubular film member is formed as a bottom gusset portion of the one pouch container. Also in this case, another pouch container of the pouch containers continuously manufactured may be formed at least by: one second tubular film member of a plurality of the second tubular film members; and a portion of the single second belt-shaped film member that closes the second opening end of the one second tubular film member. In this case, the one second tubular film member is formed as a barrel portion of the another pouch container, and the portion of the single second belt-shaped film member that closes the second opening end of the one second tubular film member is formed as a bottom gusset portion of the another pouch container. 
     According to the manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present invention, one pouch container of a plurality of pouch containers continuously manufactured may be formed at least by: one first tubular film member of a plurality of the first tubular film members; and a portion of the single first belt-shaped film member that closes the first opening end of the one first tubular film member. In this case, the one first tubular film member is formed as a barrel portion of the one pouch container, and the portion of the single first belt-shaped film member that closes the first opening end of the one first tubular film member is formed as a top gusset portion of the one pouch container. Also in this case, another pouch container of the pouch containers continuously manufactured may be formed at least by: one second tubular film member of a plurality of the second tubular film members; and a portion of the single second belt-shaped film member that closes the second opening end of the one second tubular film member. In this case, the one second tubular film member is formed as a barrel portion of the another pouch container, and the portion of the single second belt-shaped film member that closes the second opening end of the one second tubular film member is formed as a top gusset portion of the another pouch container. 
     According to the manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present invention, each of a plurality of the portions in the single first belt-shaped film member that each are to be formed as a top gusset portion of a pouch container may be provided with a spout in advance in a state before each of the plurality of the portions in the single first belt-shaped film member is supplied to the first opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members. Furthermore, each of a plurality of the portions in the single second belt-shaped film member that each are to be formed as a top gusset portion of a pouch container may be provided with a spout in advance in a state before each of the plurality of the portions in the single second belt-shaped film member is supplied to the second opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members. 
     A manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the present invention is to continuously manufacture a plurality of pouch containers from materials including: a plurality of separate-type tubular film members each including a portion to be formed as a barrel portion of a pouch container; a single first belt-shaped film member including a plurality of portions each to be formed as a top gusset portion or a bottom gusset portion of the pouch container; and a single second belt-shaped film member including a plurality of portions each to be formed as a top gusset portion or a bottom gusset portion of the pouch container. The manufacturing apparatus includes a conveyance path, a first closing process mechanism, and a second closing process mechanism. On the conveyance path, each of the separate-type tubular film members in an aligned state is conveyed in a state where an axial direction of each of the separate-type tubular film members is orthogonal to a conveyance direction. The first closing process mechanism serves to close at least a portion of a first opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members by a portion of the single first belt-shaped film member on the conveyance path, wherein the first opening end is located on one end side in the axial direction of each of the separate-type tubular film members. The second closing process mechanism serves to close at least a portion of a second opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members by a portion of the single second belt-shaped film member on the conveyance path, wherein the second opening end is located on the other end side in the axial direction of each of the separate-type tubular film members. 
     Each of the separate-type tubular film members is flatly folded such that a pair of bent portions are formed at both end portions orthogonal to the axial direction, and a cut is made in each of an end portion close to the first opening end and an end portion close to the second opening end in an extending direction of the pair of bent portions, to allow each of the separate-type tubular film members to be conveyed on the conveyance path in a state where a first joining margin and a second joining margin are provided in the first opening end and the second opening end, respectively. 
     The first closing process mechanism includes: a first supply mechanism that supplies the single first belt-shaped film member to the first opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members by conveying the single first belt-shaped film member in parallel with the separate-type tubular film members at a same speed as a conveyance speed of the separate-type tubular film members, so as to cause the single first belt-shaped film member to overlap with the first joining margin of each of the separate-type tubular film members, the first joining margin being in an opened state; and a first joining mechanism that joins the first joining margin of each of the separate-type tubular film members to a portion of the single first belt-shaped film member that overlaps with the first joining margin. 
     The second closing process mechanism includes: a second supply mechanism that supplies the single second belt-shaped film member to the second opening end of each of the separate-type tubular film members by conveying the single second belt-shaped film member in parallel with the separate-type tubular film members at a same speed as a conveyance speed of the separate-type tubular film members, so as to cause the single second belt-shaped film member to overlap with the second joining margin of each of the separate-type tubular film members, the second joining margin being in an opened state; and a second joining mechanism that joins the second joining margin of each of the separate-type tubular film members to a portion of the single second belt-shaped film member that overlaps with the second joining margin. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     The present invention can provide a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container, by which a pouch container having a barrel portion and a gusset portion can be produced in large quantities with high production efficiency. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an external shape of a pouch container manufactured in accordance with a manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view showing an external shape of an undivided bag-shaped film member in one state occurring somewhere during manufacturing of the pouch container shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing the external shape of a bag-shaped film member in another state occurring somewhere during manufacturing of the pouch container shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the bag-shaped film member, which is taken along a line IVA-IVA shown in  FIG. 3 , and cross-sectional views of bag-shaped film members according to other configuration examples. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a manufacturing flow in accordance with the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram showing a process flow on a conveyance path of a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view showing a part of a first process zone in the manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic perspective view showing another part of the first process zone and a second process zone in the manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram showing an operation in a third process zone in the manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic perspective view showing a fourth process zone and a fifth process zone in the manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram showing an operation in a sixth process zone in the manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic perspective view showing a seventh process zone and an eighth process zone in the manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic perspective view showing a ninth process zone in the manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram showing an operation in a part of the ninth process zone in the manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic perspective view showing a part of a first process zone and a second process zone in a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the first modification. 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic perspective view showing a part of a fourth process zone in a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the second modification. 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram showing a process flow on a conveyance path of a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the third modification. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing an external shape of a pouch container manufactured in accordance with a manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a rear view showing an external shape of an undivided bag-shaped film member in one state occurring somewhere during manufacturing of the pouch container shown in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram showing a manufacturing flow in accordance with the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram showing a process flow on a conveyance path of a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view showing a part of a fourth process zone in the manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view showing an external shape of a pouch container manufactured in accordance with a manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a rear view showing the external shape of the pouch container shown in  FIG. 23  at the completion of manufacturing of the pouch container. 
         FIG. 25  is a diagram showing a manufacturing flow in accordance with the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a schematic diagram showing a process flow on a conveyance path in a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following, embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments described below, the same or corresponding portions will be denoted by the same reference characters, and the description thereof will not be repeated. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram showing an external shape of a pouch container manufactured in accordance with a manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1(A)  is a perspective view showing a front surface and a top surface of the pouch container.  FIG. 1(B)  is a perspective view showing a back surface and a top surface of the pouch container. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a pouch container  100 A manufactured in accordance with the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the present embodiment will be first described. In  FIG. 1 , portions corresponding to welding portions W 1  to W 4  (described later) are represented by oblique lines in order to facilitate understanding (the same also applies to  FIGS. 2, 3, 7, 8, and 10 to 13 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B) , pouch container  100 A is a so-called spouted pouch container, and mainly includes a barrel portion  101 , a top gusset portion  102 , and a spout  104 . Spout  104  is provided in top gusset portion  102 . A cap (not shown) is detachably attached to spout  104 . 
     Barrel portion  101  is formed of a tubular film member formed by welding together circumferential end portions of a single film-like member in a rolled state. Thus, while a welding portion W 3  extending in the up-down direction is located at a prescribed position on the back surface side of barrel portion  101 , no precipitous portion exists on the outer circumferential surface of barrel portion  101  (particularly, at both edges of barrel portion  101  in its width direction), thereby allowing excellent feel of touch. 
     Top gusset portion  102  is formed of a film member intended for a gusset portion and welded to one end in the axial direction of barrel portion  101  so as to close this one end of barrel portion  101 . Thereby, a welding portion W 1  having a frame shape in a plan view is located on the boundary between barrel portion  101  and top gusset portion  102  in the state where top gusset portion  102  is spread in a planar shape. Thus, welding portion W 1  forms a joint between barrel portion  101  and top gusset portion  102 . 
     Spout  104  is formed of a cylindrical member having an outer circumferential surface provided with an external thread, and welded to top gusset portion  102  so as to cover a hole portion provided in a central portion of top gusset portion  102 . Thereby, a welding portion W 2  is located to surround the hole portion provided in top gusset portion  102 . Thus, this welding portion W 2  forms a joint between top gusset portion  102  and spout  104 . 
     Furthermore, the other end in the axial direction of barrel portion  101  is closed by welding together wall portions of barrel portion  101  that face each other in the state where barrel portion  101  is flatly folded. Thereby, a welding portion W 4  extending in the right-left direction is located at the other end of barrel portion  101 . 
     In this case, the tubular film member forming barrel portion  101  and the film member intended for a gusset portion and forming top gusset portion  102  each are formed of a film member made of resin, for example. This film member made of resin is preferably formed as a stack of: a base film layer exhibiting the basic performance (shock resistance, wear resistance, heat resistance, and the like) as a package body; and a sealant layer for allowing welding. The film member made of resin is in some cases formed as a stack including: not only such a base film layer and a sealant layer; but also a barrier layer interposed between the base film layer and the sealant layer and exhibiting additional performance such as high gas barrier performance and light shielding performance. 
     Examples of the materials forming the base film layer may be: polyester represented by polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, poly-butylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, and the like; polyolefin represented by polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like; polyamide represented by nylon 6, nylon 66, and the like; polyacrylonitrile; polyimide; polyvinyl chloride; polyvinylidene chloride; poly-methyl methacrylate, polyethersulfone; and the like. 
     Examples of the materials forming the sealant layer may be low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer, non-oriented polypropylene, biaxially oriented nylon, ethylene-olefin copolymer, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and the like. 
     Examples of the materials forming the barrier layer may be: metals represented by aluminum and the like; resins represented by vinylidene chloride, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and the like; aluminium oxide; silica; and the like. 
       FIG. 2  is a rear view showing an external shape of an undivided bag-shaped film member in one state occurring somewhere during manufacturing of the pouch container shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is a view showing the external shape of a bag-shaped film member in another state occurring somewhere during manufacturing of the pouch container shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3(A)  is a perspective view showing the front surface and the top surface of the bag-shaped film member.  FIG. 3(B)  is a perspective view showing the back surface and the top surface of the bag-shaped film member. Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the state of pouch container  100 A during manufacturing shown in  FIG. 1  will then be described. 
     The manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the present embodiment is to continuously manufacture pouch container  100 A shown in  FIG. 1  in large quantities by performing below-mentioned various processes (cutting, bending, welding, and the like) for the materials mainly including the below-mentioned first to third belt-shaped film members. In this case, a first belt-shaped film member  121 A (see  FIG. 10 ) and a second belt-shaped film member  121 B (see  FIG. 12 ) each include a plurality of portions each to be formed as top gusset portion  102  of pouch container  100 A. A third belt-shaped film member  131  (see  FIG. 7 ) includes a plurality of portions each to be formed as barrel portion  101  of pouch container  100 A. 
     Among them, third belt-shaped film member  131  is subjected to the above-mentioned various processes to thereby gradually change its shape into an elongated tubular film member  132  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) and a separate-type tubular film member  110  (see  FIGS. 8 to 10 ). In this case, separate-type tubular film member  110  includes two portions each to be formed as barrel portion  101  of pouch container  100 A. 
     In other words, the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the present embodiment is to process two pouch containers  100 A as one workpiece until one stage somewhere in the manufacturing steps after separate-type tubular film member  110  is fabricated. Then, this one workpiece is divided so as to eventually obtain two pouch containers  100 A from this one workpiece. Thus, the state before one workpiece is divided corresponds to the state of undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A shown in  FIG. 2 , and the state after one workpiece is divided correspond to the state of bag-shaped film member  141 A ( 142 A) shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A is cut along a cutting line CL shown in the figure so as to be divided into first bag-shaped film member  141 A and second bag-shaped film member  142 A. The above-mentioned other end in the axial direction of barrel portion  101  of first bag-shaped film member  141 A (i.e., the end portion located on the side opposite to the end portion to which top gusset portion  102  is joined) is continuous to the above-mentioned other end in the axial direction of barrel portion  101  of second bag-shaped film member  142 A. 
     Thus, in undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A, top gusset portion  102  is welded by welding portion W 1  to each of both ends in the axial direction of barrel portion  101 , and spout  104  is welded by welding portion W 2  to each of these top gusset portions  102 . Also, welding portion W 3  is formed in barrel portion  101  of first bag-shaped film member  141 A and barrel portion  101  of second bag-shaped film member  142 A so as to extend over these barrel portions. 
     On the other hand, as shown in  FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) , bag-shaped film member  141 A ( 142 A) is different from the above-mentioned pouch container  100 A only in shape of the above-mentioned other end in the axial direction of barrel portion  101  (i.e., the end portion located on the side opposite to the end portion to which top gusset portion  102  is joined). Specifically, the other end in the axial direction of bag-shaped film member  141 A ( 142 A) is not yet closed but formed as an open end  101   a . In other words, welding portion W 4  (see  FIG. 1 ) is formed at the other end in the axial direction of bag-shaped film member  141 A ( 142 A), and thus, manufacturing of pouch container  100 A completes. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in the present embodiment, welding portion W 3  is disposed close to one side on the back surface of undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A. Thus, first bag-shaped film member  141 A and second bag-shaped film member  142 A do not have completely the same shape because welding portions W 3  are provided at bilaterally symmetrical positions in these members. However, when welding portion W 3  is provided in a central portion on the back surface of undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A, first bag-shaped film member  141 A and second bag-shaped film member  142 A can have completely the same shape. 
       FIG. 4(A)  is a cross-sectional view of the bag-shaped film member that is taken along a line IVA-IVA shown in  FIG. 3(A) .  FIGS. 4(B) and 4(C)  are cross-sectional views of bag-shaped film members according to other configuration examples. Referring to this  FIG. 4 , the following describes the configuration of a joining portion formed in a tubular film member that forms barrel portion  101 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4(A) , in the present embodiment, barrel portion  101  of bag-shaped film member  141 A ( 142 A) is formed in a tube shape by welding together the circumferential end portions of a single film-like member in a rolled state. More specifically, one end portion  101   b  and the other end portion  101   c  of barrel portion  101  in the circumferential direction are pulled out to the outside, so that the inner circumferential surfaces of one end portion  101   b  and the other end portion  101   c  overlap with each other. Then, these portions overlapping with each other are welded to each other to thereby form welding portion W 3  as a joining portion. However, the joining portion of barrel portion  101  does not necessarily need to be formed by such welding portion W 3 , but this joining portion may be formed by another joining method. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 4(B) , in a bag-shaped film member  141 A′ ( 142 N), one end portion  101   b  of barrel portion  101  in the circumferential direction is pulled out to the outside of the other end portion  101   c , so that the inner circumferential surface of one end portion  101   b  overlaps with the outer circumferential surface of the other end portion  101   c . Then, a seal tape  101   d  is further overlaid from the inner circumferential surface side so as to cover a gap formed between one end portion  101   b  and the other end portion  101   c  while extending along this overlaid portion. In this state, seal tape  101   d  is welded to barrel portion  101  to thereby form the above-mentioned joining portion. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 4(C) , in bag-shaped film member  141 A″ ( 142 A″), one end portion  101   b  of barrel portion  101  in the circumferential direction is brought into contact with the other end portion  101   c , and then, seal tape  101   d  is overlaid from the inner circumferential surface side so as to cover a gap formed between one end portion  101   b  and the other end portion  101   c  while extending along this contact portion. In this state, seal tape  101   d  is welded to barrel portion  101 , to thereby form the above-mentioned joining portion. 
     In this way, the joining portion provided in barrel portion  101  may be variously configured. Any joining portion other than that having the configuration shown in the above-mentioned configuration example is also applicable as long as leakage and the like of the content can be reliably prevented. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a manufacturing flow in accordance with the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the present embodiment.  FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram showing a process flow on a conveyance path of a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the present embodiment.  FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view showing a part of a first process zone in the manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the present embodiment.  FIG. 8  is a schematic perspective view showing another part of the first process zone and a second process zone shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram showing an operation in a third process zone shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 10  is a schematic perspective view showing a fourth process zone and a fifth process zone shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram showing an operation in a sixth process zone shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 12  is a schematic perspective view showing a seventh process zone and an eighth process zone shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 13  is a schematic perspective view showing a ninth process zone shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram showing an operation in a part of the ninth process zone. Referring to these  FIGS. 5 to 14 , the following describes a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus  1 A for a pouch container according to the present embodiment. 
     Referring  FIGS. 5 and 7 , elongated tubular film member  132  is first fabricated in step S 1 . Such fabrication of elongated tubular film member  132  is performed in a first process zone Z 1  different from second process zone Z 2  to ninth process zone Z 9  that have a conveyor-type conveyance path (described later) installed therein, in manufacturing apparatus  1 A. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 7 , first process zone Z 1  in manufacturing apparatus  1 A includes a first zone Z 11  to a fifth zone Z 15 . Third belt-shaped film member  131  is subjected to a prescribed process while it is conveyed to pass through first zone Z 11  to fifth zone Z 15  in this order. Consequently, elongated tubular film member  132  is fabricated. 
     In first zone Z 11 , third belt-shaped film member  131  is fed in its long-side direction (i.e., a feed direction DR 1  shown in the figure) from a roll  130  formed by winding single third belt-shaped film member  131 . Such feeding of third belt-shaped film member  131  is implemented by intermittent conveyance for conveying third belt-shaped film member  131  in a step feed manner, and specifically implemented by driving a feeding roller  11  at a prescribed interval. 
     In second zone Z 12 , a cutting mechanism  12  is used to perform the process of making a cut in third belt-shaped film member  131 . Cutting mechanism  12  having a pair of cutting blades moves up and down in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 1  shown in the figure, to thereby form a pair of slits SL at specified positions in third belt-shaped film member  131 . The pair of slits SL are formed to be spaced apart from each other in the short-side direction of third belt-shaped film member  131  and to extend in the long-side direction of third belt-shaped film member  131 . 
     In third zone Z 13 , the conveyance direction of third belt-shaped film member  131  is adjusted with a guide member and the like (not shown) such that third belt-shaped film member  131  is rolled into a tube shape in the direction orthogonal to feed direction DR 1  (i.e., in the short-side direction). 
     In fourth zone Z 14 , a welding mechanism  13  and a cooling mechanism  14  are used to perform the process of welding third belt-shaped film member  131 . Welding mechanism  13  has a heater and heats the end portions in the short-side direction of third belt-shaped film member  131  rolled in a tube shape, in the state where these end portions are held by this heater. Cooling mechanism  14  has a cooling block and cools the portions heated by the heater of third belt-shaped film member  131  in the state where the portions are held by this cooling block. Thus, the end portions in the short-side direction of third belt-shaped film member  131  are welded to each other to thereby form welding portion W 3 . Welding portion W 3  eventually appears on the back surface of barrel portion  101  of pouch container  100 A. 
     After having passed through this fourth zone Z 14 , third belt-shaped film member  131  has an outer shape rolled into a tube shape. Thus, fabrication of elongated tubular film member  132  formed of third belt-shaped film member  131  completes at this point. 
     In fifth zone Z 15 , a pressing roller  15  is used to perform the process of folding elongated tubular film member  132 . Thereby, elongated tubular film member  132  is flatly folded such that a pair of bent portions are formed at both end portions orthogonal to the axial direction of this elongated tubular film member  132  (the axial direction corresponds to the above-mentioned feed direction DR 1 ). At this time, by appropriately adjusting the positions of a pair of slits SL formed in second zone Z 12 , the pair of slits SL each are to overlap with the bent portion formed in elongated tubular film member  132 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 8 , separate-type tubular film member  110  is then fabricated in step S 2 . Such fabrication of separate-type tubular film member  110  is performed in first process zone Z 1  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 8 , first process zone Z 1  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A includes a sixth zone Z 16  in addition to the above-mentioned first zone  11  to fifth zone Z 15 . Elongated tubular film member  132  that is flatly folded in fifth zone Z 15  is conveyed to sixth zone Z 16 . 
     In sixth zone Z 16 , a cutting mechanism  16  is used to perform the process of cutting elongated tubular film member  132 . Cutting mechanism  16  includes a cutting blade extending in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of elongated tubular film member  132 . Thus, cutting mechanism  16  moves up and down in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 2  shown in the figure to thereby cut off elongated tubular film member  132  to be divided into a plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110 . Thus, each of divided separate-type tubular film members  110  has a first opening end  111  on its one end side in the axial direction and a second opening end  112  on its other end side in the axial direction. 
     Such cutting and dividing by cutting mechanism  16  is performed by cutting off elongated tubular film member  132  along a line crossing a pair of slits SL located to overlap with the above-mentioned pair of bent portions in elongated tubular film member  132 . Thereby, each of the plurality of divided separate-type tubular film members  110  is provided with slit SL as a cut in each of the end portions on the first opening end  111  side and the second opening end  112  side in the extending direction of the pair of bent portions  113 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5, 6, and 8 , then in step S 3 , separate-type tubular film member  110  is conveyed to the conveyance path. Such conveyance of separate-type tubular film member  110  to the conveyance path is performed in second process zone Z 2  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 8 , second process zone Z 2  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A includes a first zone Z 21  and a second zone Z 22 . The plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110  are sequentially conveyed so as to pass through such first zone Z 21  and second zone Z 22  in this order. 
     In first zone Z 21 , a transfer mechanism  21  is used to transfer separate-type tubular film member  110  to a conveyance mechanism  2 . Transfer mechanism  21  has a pair of vacuum arms and a guide rail. These vacuum arms hold and release separate-type tubular film member  110  by means of vacuum while moving along the guide rail in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 3  in the figure. Thereby, the plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110  that have been cut and divided in the above-mentioned sixth zone of first process zone Z 1  are sequentially transferred to conveyance mechanism  2 . 
     In this case, conveyance mechanism  2  is a conveyor-type conveyance mechanism as described above, and more specifically a belt conveyor-type conveyance mechanism including a vacuum-type transporting conveyor  2 A and a non-vacuum-type pressing conveyor  2 B. Transporting conveyor  2 A has an upper surface provided with a conveyance path. Pressing conveyor  2 B is disposed to face the upper surface of transporting conveyor  2 A. The upstream-side end portion of transporting conveyor  2 A has a conveyance inlet portion that is not covered by pressing conveyor  2 B. Separate-type tubular film member  110  transferred by transfer mechanism  21  is placed on this conveyance inlet portion. 
     In this case, each of the plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110  is placed on the conveyance path in the state where the axial direction of each of separate-type tubular film members  110  is orthogonal to a conveyance direction DR 2  on the conveyance path. Also at this time, each of the plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110  is placed on the conveyance path in the state where each separate-type tubular film member  110  cut and divided in the sixth zone of first process zone Z 1  is flatly folded. 
     Thereby, the plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110  in an aligned state are conveyed on the conveyance path. 
     Such conveyance of separate-type tubular film members  110  is implemented by intermittent conveyance for conveying separate-type tubular film members  110  in a step feed manner, and specifically implemented by driving conveyance mechanism  2  at a prescribed interval. 
     In this case, in separate-type tubular film member  110 , the portion on the first opening end  111  side and the portion on the second opening end  112  side each are provided with the above-mentioned one pair of slits SL so as to be spreadable (i.e., such that first opening end  111  and second opening end  112  can be opened), and also form a first welding margin  114  and a second welding margin  115 , respectively, to which a portion of first belt-shaped film member  121 A and a portion of second belt-shaped film member  121 B (each of which will be described later) are respectively welded. 
     Thus, it is preferable that the width of each of the above-mentioned transporting conveyor  2 A and pressing conveyor  2 B is smaller than the distance between one pair of slits SL provided on the first opening end  111  side and one pair of slits SL provided on the second opening end  112  side in separate-type tubular film member  110  so as not to prevent spreading of first opening end  111  and second opening end  112 . In other words, separate-type tubular film member  110  is placed on the conveyance path such that both end portions of separate-type tubular film member  110  in the axial direction protrude from conveyance mechanism  2  to a considerable extent. 
     In the present embodiment, manufacturing apparatus  1 A is configured such that feed direction DR 1  of third belt-shaped film member  131  and elongated tubular film member  132  in first process zone Z 1  is orthogonal to conveyance direction DR 2  of separate-type tubular film member  110  in second process zone Z 2 . This configuration eliminates the need to rotate separate-type tubular film member  110  for transfer, so that transfer mechanism  21  can be designed in a simple configuration. 
     In second zone Z 22 , separate-type tubular film member  110  having passed through the above-mentioned conveyance inlet portion is sandwiched between transporting conveyor  2 A and pressing conveyor  2 B. Thus, separate-type tubular film member  110  sandwiched between transporting conveyor  2 A and pressing conveyor  2 B is maintained in the subsequent process, so that separate-type tubular film member  110  is stably conveyed on the conveyance path without positional misalignment. It should be noted that driving of transporting conveyor  2 A and pressing conveyor  2 B is controlled such that the belts of transporting conveyor  2 A and pressing conveyor  2 B rotate at the same speed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5, 6, and 9 , then in step S 4 , first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110  is spread. Such spreading of first opening end  111  is performed in third process zone Z 3  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A.  FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B)  show this spreading operation of first opening end  111  over time. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9(A) , in third process zone Z 3 , a plurality of vacuum arms  31  each are first used to hold, with vacuum, a corresponding one of the portions on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of first opening end  111  in separate-type tubular film member  110 . These portions on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of first opening end  111  form a pair of first welding margins  114  as described above. Also, a pair of slits SL are provided in both edges of first opening end  111 . Thereby, separate spreading is allowed. 
     Then, as shown in  FIG. 9(B) , the plurality of vacuum arms  31  are operated to pivot in the directions away from each other (i.e., in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 4  shown in the figure), so that one pair of first welding margins  114  in first opening end  111  are also bent to be away from each other. Thereby, first opening end  111  is opened, with the result that first welding margin  114  formed in a planar shape is located on the first opening end  111  side of separate-type tubular film member  110 . 
     In other words, the above-mentioned third process zone Z 3  corresponds to the first spreading process region in which first opening end  111  is spread such that first joining margin  114  of separate-type tubular film member  110  is opened. 
     It is preferable to maintain this opened state of first opening end  111  until a third zone Z 43  (see  FIG. 10 ) in fourth process zone Z 4  in which welding of first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110  to a portion of first belt-shaped film member  121 A is at least subsequently performed. For example, it is preferable to maintain the above-mentioned state by a separately provided guide member and the like (not shown) when holding by vacuum arms  31  is released. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5, 6, and 10 , then in step S 5 , first belt-shaped film member  121 A is supplied to first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . Such supply of first belt-shaped film member  121 A is performed in fourth process zone Z 4  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A. In this case, first belt-shaped film member  121 A includes a portion to be formed as top gusset portion  102  of first bag-shaped film member  141 A, as described above. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 10 , fourth process zone Z 4  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A includes a first zone Z 41  and a second zone Z 42 . Among these zones, the plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110  are sequentially conveyed so as to pass through second zone Z 42 . Single first belt-shaped film member  121 A is conveyed so as to pass through first zone Z 41  and second zone Z 42  in this order. 
     In first zone Z 41 , single first belt-shaped film member  121 A is fed in its long-side direction from a roll  120 A formed by winding single first belt-shaped film member  121 A. Such feeding of first belt-shaped film member  121 A is implemented by intermittent conveyance for conveying first belt-shaped film member  121 A in a step feed manner, and specifically implemented by driving a feeding roller  41  at a prescribed interval. 
     Also in first zone Z 41 , a perforation mechanism  42  is used to provide a hole portion  122  in first belt-shaped film member  121 A fed by feeding roller  41 . Also, spout  104  is inserted into hole portion  122  and welded to first belt-shaped film member  121 A by a welding mechanism  43 . Perforation mechanism  42  includes a cutting blade and a drive mechanism that drives the cutting blade. The cutting blade moves in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 5  shown in the figure to thereby form hole portion  122 . Welding mechanism  43  includes a heater and a drive mechanism that drives the heater. The heater moves in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 6  shown in the figure to thereby weld spout  104 . Thus, spout  104  is attached to first belt-shaped film member  121 A with welding portion W 2  interposed therebetween. 
     The present embodiment provides a configuration in which spout  104  is attached to first belt-shaped film member  121 A in first zone Z 41 , as described above. Alternatively, a spouted first belt-shaped film member provided in advance with spouts at prescribed intervals may be used. 
     In second zone Z 42 , first belt-shaped film member  121 A to which spout  104  is welded is supplied to first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110  so as to overlap with opened first welding margin  114  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . Specifically, by using a guide roller and the like as the first supply mechanism, first belt-shaped film member  121 A is conveyed in the same direction as conveyance direction DR 2  of separate-type tubular film member  110 , and thus, conveyed in parallel with separate-type tubular film member  110  and also conveyed at the same speed as the conveyance speed of separate-type tubular film member  110 . 
     Thereby, in second zone Z 42 , a portion of first belt-shaped film member  121 A is brought into contact with first welding margin  114  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . In this case, the timings at which these members are conveyed are synchronously controlled, so that the portion of first belt-shaped film member  121 A is brought into contact with first joining margin  114  in the state where spout  104  is properly positioned. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5, 6, and 10 , then in step S 6 , first belt-shaped film member  121 A is welded to first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . Such welding of first belt-shaped film member  121 A is performed in fourth process zone Z 4  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 10 , fourth process zone Z 4  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A includes a third zone  43  in addition to first zone Z 41  and second zone Z 42  as described above. Separate-type tubular film member  110  and first belt-shaped film member  121 A are conveyed to third zone Z 43  in the state where a portion of first belt-shaped film member  121 A is brought into contact with first welding margin  114  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . 
     In third zone Z 43 , welding of first belt-shaped film member  121 A to first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110  is performed using a welding mechanism  44  as the first joining mechanism. Welding mechanism  44  includes a pair of movable stages  44   a  divided into an upper stage and a lower stage, a heater  44   b , and a drive mechanism  44   c . The pair of movable stages  44   a  are configured to be movable up and down in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 7  shown in the figure so as to be movable close to and away from each other. Heater  44   b  is configured to be driven by drive mechanism  44   c  so as to be movable in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 8  shown in the figure. 
     Separate-type tubular film member  110  and first belt-shaped film member  121 A that are in contact with each other are disposed at a prescribed position in third zone Z 43 , so that the pair of movable stages  44   a  move in the directions to be close to each other. Thereby, the pair of movable stages  44   a  are disposed on the rear side of first joining margin  114 . In this state, heater  44   b  is driven by drive mechanism  44   c  to be moved toward the pair of movable stages  44   a . Thereby, heater  44   b  presses first joining margin  114  with first belt-shaped film member  121 A interposed therebetween. Thus, a portion of first belt-shaped film member  121 A and first joining margin  114  are sandwiched between the pair of movable stages  44   a  and heater  44   b , and thereby welded to each other. 
     Thus, the portion of first belt-shaped film member  121 A is attached to first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110  so as to close first opening end  111  with welding portion W 1  interposed therebetween. In other words, second zone Z 42  and third zone Z 43  in fourth process zone Z 4  mentioned above correspond to the first attachment process region in which first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110  is closed by a portion of first belt-shaped film member  121 A. 
     After completion of this welding, the pair of movable stages  44   a  and heater  44   b  move back to their respective retracted positions. Then, these portions having been welded are again conveyed in conveyance direction DR 2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5, 6, and 10 , then in step S 7 , a redundant portion  106  on the first opening end  111  side in separate-type tubular film member  110  and first belt-shaped film member  121 A is removed. Such removal of redundant portion  106  is performed in fifth process zone Z 5  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 10 , fifth process zone Z 5  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A includes a first zone Z 51 , to which the portions of separate-type tubular film member  110  and first belt-shaped film member  121 A that have been welded to each other are conveyed. 
     In first zone Z 51 , redundant portion  106  on the first opening end  111  side in separate-type tubular film member  110  and first belt-shaped film member  121 A is removed using a cutting mechanism  45 . Cutting mechanism  45  includes a pair of movable stages  45   a  divided into an upper stage and a lower stage, a cutting blade  45   b , and a drive mechanism  45   c . The pair of movable stages  45   a  are configured to be movable up and down in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 9  in the figure so as to be movable close to and away from each other. Cutting blade  45   b  is configured to be driven by drive mechanism  45   c  so as to be movable in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 10  shown in the figure. 
     The portions of separate-type tubular film member  110  and first belt-shaped film member  121 A that are welded to each other are disposed at a prescribed position in first zone Z 51 , so that the pair of movable stages  45   a  move in the directions to be close to each other. Thereby, the pair of movable stages  45   a  are disposed on the rear side of first joining margin  114 . In this state, cutting blade  45   b  is driven by drive mechanism  45   c  to be moved toward the pair of movable stages  45   a . Thereby, redundant portion  106  on the first opening end  111  side in separate-type tubular film member  110  and first belt-shaped film member  121 A is cut and removed. 
     After such removal of redundant portion  106  on the first opening end  111  side completes, the pair of movable stages  45   a  and cutting blade  45   b  move back to their respective retracted positions. Then, the above-mentioned welded portions are again conveyed in conveyance direction DR 2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5, 6, and 10 , then in step S 8 , first belt-shaped film member  121 A is separated. Such separation of first belt-shaped film member  121 A is performed in fifth process zone Z 5  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 10 , fifth process zone Z 5  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A includes a second zone Z 52  in addition to the above-mentioned first zone Z 51 . To this second zone Z 52 , first belt-shaped film member  121 A that connects separate-type tubular film members  110  adjacent to each other in conveyance direction DR 2  is conveyed. 
     In second zone Z 52 , a cutting mechanism  46  is used to cut first belt-shaped film member  121 A. Cutting mechanism  46  having a pair of cutting blades moves up and down in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 11  shown in the figure, to thereby cut and remove the portion of first belt-shaped film member  121 A that connects separate-type tubular film members  110  adjacent to each other (i.e., the portion indicated by a reference character  123  in the figure). 
     In other words, second zone Z 52  of fifth process zone Z 5  mentioned above corresponds to the first cutting process region in which the portion of single first belt-shaped film member  121 A that closes first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110  is cut off from single first belt-shaped film member  121 A. 
     As described above, by the above-mentioned guide roller and the like as the first closing process mechanism (i.e., the mechanism that supplies first belt-shaped film member  121 A to first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110 ) and the above-mentioned welding mechanism  44  (i.e., the mechanism that joins first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110  to a portion of first belt-shaped film member  121 A by welding), first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110  is closed by a portion of first belt-shaped film member  121 A. Then, the process completes that is performed for the portion of undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A shown in  FIG. 2  on the right side with respect to cutting line CL shown in the figure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5, 6, and 11 , then in step S 9 , second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110  is spread. Such spreading of second opening end  112  is performed in sixth process zone Z 6  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A.  FIGS. 11(A) and 11(B)  each show this spreading operation of second opening end  112  over time. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11(A) , in sixth process zone Z 6 , a plurality of vacuum arms  31 ′ are first used to hold, by vacuum, the portions on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . The portions on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of second opening end  112  form a pair of second welding margins  115  as described above. Also, a pair of slits SL are provided in both edges of second opening end  112 . Thereby, separate spreading is allowed. 
     Then, as shown in  FIG. 11(B) , the plurality of vacuum arms  31 ′ are operated to pivot in the directions away from each other (i.e., in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 4 ′ shown in the figure), so that one pair of second welding margins  115  in second opening end  112  are also bent to be away from each other. Thereby, second opening end  112  is opened, with the result that second welding margin  115  formed in a planar shape is located on the second opening end  112  side of separate-type tubular film member  110 . 
     In other words, the above-mentioned sixth process zone Z 6  corresponds to the second spreading process region in which second opening end  112  is spread such that second joining margin  115  of separate-type tubular film member  110  is opened. 
     It is preferable to maintain this opened state of second opening end  112  until a third zone Z 73  (see  FIG. 12 ) in seventh process zone Z 7  in which welding of second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110  to a portion of second belt-shaped film member  121 B is at least subsequently performed. For example, it is preferable to maintain the above-mentioned state by a separately provided guide member and the like (not shown) when holding by vacuum arms  31 ′ is released. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5, 6, and 12 , then in step S 10 , second belt-shaped film member  121 B is supplied to second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . Such supply of second belt-shaped film member  121 B is performed in seventh process zone Z 7  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A. In this case, second belt-shaped film member  121 B includes a portion to be formed as top gusset portion  102  of second bag-shaped film member  141 B, as described above. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 12 , seventh process zone Z 7  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A includes a first zone Z 71  and a second zone Z 72 . The plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110  are sequentially conveyed so as to pass through second zone Z 72 . Single second belt-shaped film member  121 B is conveyed so as to pass through first zone Z 71  and second zone Z 72  in this order. 
     In first zone Z 71 , single second belt-shaped film member  121 B is fed in its long-side direction from a roll  120 B formed by winding single second belt-shaped film member  121 B. Such feeding of second belt-shaped film member  121 B is implemented by intermittent conveyance for conveying second belt-shaped film member  121 B in a step feed manner, and specifically implemented by driving a feeding roller  41 ′ at a prescribed interval. 
     In first zone Z 41 , a perforation mechanism  42 ′ is used to provide a hole portion  122  in second belt-shaped film member  121 B fed by feeding roller  41 ′. Also, spout  104  is inserted into hole portion  122  and welded to second belt-shaped film member  121 B by a welding mechanism  43 ′. Perforation mechanism  42 ′ includes a cutting blade and a drive mechanism that drives the cutting blade. The cutting blade moves in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 5 ′ shown in the figure to thereby form hole portion  122 . Welding mechanism  43 ′ includes a heater and a drive mechanism that drives the heater. The heater moves in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 6 ′ shown in the figure to thereby weld spout  104 . Thus, spout  104  is attached to second belt-shaped film member  121 B with welding portion W 2  interposed therebetween. 
     In the present embodiment, spout  104  is attached to second belt-shaped film member  121 B in first zone Z 71  as described above. Alternatively, a spouted second belt-shaped film member provided with spouts in advance at prescribed intervals may be used. 
     In second zone Z 72 , second belt-shaped film member  121 B to which spout  104  is welded is supplied to second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110  so as to overlap with opened second welding margin  115  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . Specifically, by using a guide roller and the like as the second supply mechanism, second belt-shaped film member  121 B is conveyed in the same direction as conveyance direction DR 2  of separate-type tubular film member  110 , and thus, conveyed in parallel with separate-type tubular film member  110 , and also conveyed at the same speed as the conveyance speed of separate-type tubular film member  110 . 
     Thereby, in second zone Z 72 , a portion of second belt-shaped film member  121 B is brought into contact with second welding margin  115  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . In this case, the timings at which these members are conveyed are synchronously controlled, so that the portion of second belt-shaped film member  121 B is brought into contact with second joining margin  115  in the state where spout  104  is properly positioned. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5, 6, and 12 , then in step S 11 , second belt-shaped film member  121 B is welded to second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . Such welding of second belt-shaped film member  121 B is performed in seventh process zone Z 7  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 12 , seventh process zone Z 7  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A includes a third zone Z 73  in addition to first zone Z 71  and second zone Z 72  as described above. Separate-type tubular film member  110  and second belt-shaped film member  121 B are conveyed to third zone Z 73  in the state where a portion of second belt-shaped film member  121 B is brought into contact with second welding margin  115  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . 
     In third zone Z 73 , welding of second belt-shaped film member  121 B to second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110  is performed using a welding mechanism  44 ′ as the second joining mechanism. Welding mechanism  44 ′ includes a pair of movable stages  44   a ′ divided into an upper stage and a lower stage, a heater  44   b ′, and a drive mechanism  44   c ′. The pair of movable stages  44   a ′ are configured to be movable up and down in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 7 ′ shown in the figure so as to be movable close to and away from each other. Heater  44   b ′ is configured to be driven by drive mechanism  44   c ′ so as to be movable in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 8 ′ shown in the figure. 
     Separate-type tubular film member  110  and second belt-shaped film member  121 B that are in contact with each other are disposed at a prescribed position in third zone Z 73 , so that the pair of movable stages  44   a ′ move in the directions to be close to each other. Thereby, the pair of movable stages  44   a ′ are disposed on the rear side of second joining margin  115 . In this state, heater  44   b ′ is driven by drive mechanism  44   c ′ to be moved toward the pair of movable stages  44   a ′. Thereby, heater  44   b ′ presses second joining margin  115  with second belt-shaped film member  121 B interposed therebetween. Thus, a portion of second belt-shaped film member  121 B and second joining margin  115  are sandwiched between the pair of movable stages  44   a ′ and heater  44   b ′, and thereby welded to each other. 
     Thus, the portion of second belt-shaped film member  121 B is attached to second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110  so as to close second opening end  112  with welding portion W 1  interposed therebetween. In other words, second zone Z 72  and third zone Z 73  in seventh process zone Z 7  mentioned above correspond to the second attachment process region in which second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110  is closed by a portion of second belt-shaped film member  121 B. 
     After completion of this welding, the pair of movable stages  44   a ′ and heater  44   b ′ move back to their respective retracted positions. Then, these portions having been welded are again conveyed in conveyance direction DR 2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5, 6, and 12 , then in step S 12 , a redundant portion  107  on the second opening end  112  side in separate-type tubular film member  110  and second belt-shaped film member  121 B is removed. Such removal of redundant portion  107  is performed in an eighth process zone Z 8  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 12 , eighth process zone Z 8  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A includes a first zone Z 81 , to which the portions of separate-type tubular film member  110  and second belt-shaped film member  121 B that have been welded to each other are conveyed. 
     In first zone Z 81 , redundant portion  107  on the second opening end  112  side in separate-type tubular film member  110  and second belt-shaped film member  121 B is removed using a cutting mechanism  45 ′. Cutting mechanism  45 ′ includes a pair of movable stages  45   a ′ divided into an upper stage and a lower stage, a cutting blade  45   b ′, and a drive mechanism  45   c ′. The pair of movable stages  45   a ′ are configured to be movable up and down in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 9 ′ shown in the figure so as to be movable close to and away from each other. Cutting blade  45   b ′ is configured to be driven by drive mechanism  45   c ′ so as to be movable in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 10 ′ shown in the figure. 
     The portions of separate-type tubular film member  110  and second belt-shaped film member  121 B that are welded to each other are disposed at a prescribed position in first zone Z 81 , so that the pair of movable stages  45   a ′ move in the directions to be close to each other. Thereby, the pair of movable stages  45   a ′ are disposed on the rear side of second joining margin  115 . In this state, cutting blade  45   b ′ is driven by drive mechanism  45   c ′ to be moved toward the pair of movable stages  45   a ′. Thereby, redundant portion  107  on the second opening end  112  side in separate-type tubular film member  110  and second belt-shaped film member  121 B is cut and removed. 
     After removal of redundant portion  107  on the second opening end  112  side completes, the pair of movable stages  45   a ′ and cutting blade  45   b ′ move back to their respective retracted positions. Then, the above-mentioned welded portions are again conveyed in conveyance direction DR 2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5, 6, and 12 , then in step S 13 , second belt-shaped film member  121 B is separated. Such separation of second belt-shaped film member  121 B is performed in eighth process zone Z 8  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 12 , eighth process zone Z 8  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A includes a second zone Z 82  in addition to the above-mentioned first zone Z 81 . To this second zone Z 82 , second belt-shaped film member  121 B that connects separate-type tubular film members  110  adjacent to each other in conveyance direction DR 2  is conveyed. 
     In second zone Z 82 , a cutting mechanism  46 ′ is used to cut second belt-shaped film member  121 B. Cutting mechanism  46 ′ having a pair of cutting blades moves up and down in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 11 ′ shown in the figure, to thereby cut and remove the portion of second belt-shaped film member  121 B that connects separate-type tubular film members  110  adjacent to each other (i.e., the portion indicated by a reference character  124  in the figure). 
     In other words, second zone Z 82  of eighth process zone Z 8  mentioned above corresponds to the second cutting process region in which the portion of single second belt-shaped film member  121 B that closes second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110  is cut off from single second belt-shaped film member  121 B. 
     As described above, by the above-mentioned guide roller and the like as the second closing process mechanism (i.e., the mechanism that supplies second belt-shaped film member  121 B to second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110 ) and the above-mentioned welding mechanism  44 ′ (i.e., the mechanism that joins second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110  to a portion of second belt-shaped film member  121 B by welding), second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110  is closed by the portion of second belt-shaped film member  121 B. Then, the process completes that is performed for the portion of undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A shown in  FIG. 2  on the left side with respect to cutting line CL shown in the figure. This results in fabrication of undivided bag-shaped film members  140 A shown in  FIG. 2 , which also includes the right side portion having already been processed in step S 8 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5, 6, 13, and 14 , then in step S 14 , undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A is conveyed out from the conveyance path, and in step S 15 , undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A is divided. Such conveyance of undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A out from the conveyance path and division of undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A are performed in a ninth process zone Z 9  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A. Among these operations,  FIGS. 14(A) to 14(C)  show the dividing operation over time. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 13 , ninth process zone Z 9  of manufacturing apparatus  1 A includes a first zone Z 91  and a second zone Z 92 , to which a plurality of undivided bag-shaped film members  140 A are sequentially conveyed. 
     The downstream-side end portion of transporting conveyor  2 A includes a conveyance outlet portion that is not covered by pressing conveyor  2 B. Undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A reaches this conveyance outlet portion. The conveyance outlet portion is provided to extend over first zone Z 91  and second zone Z 92 . When undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A reaches first zone Z 91 , it is released from the pressure applied from pressing conveyor  2 B, and then, held by a lift mechanism  91  in second zone Z 92 . Lift mechanism  91  includes a rotation shaft  91   a , a plurality of vacuum arms  91   b , and a drive mechanism  91   c.    
     The plurality of vacuum arms  91   b  are configured to be capable of separately holding a portion to be formed as first bag-shaped film member  141 A and a portion to be formed as second bag-shaped film member  142 A after undivided bag-shaped film members  140 A is divided. These vacuum arms  91   b  are fixed to rotation shaft  91   a . Thus, as rotation shaft  91   a  is driven and rotated by drive mechanism  91   c , vacuum arms  91   b  pivot in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 12  shown in  FIG. 14(B)  in the state where vacuum arms  91   b  hold undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A. 
     Thereby, undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A held by lift mechanism  91  is raised by this lift mechanism  91 , and thereby, conveyed out from the conveyance outlet portion. 
     In this case, cutting mechanism  92  is provided in second zone Z 92 . Thus, undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A raised by lift mechanism  91  is divided by this cutting mechanism  92 . Specifically, cutting mechanism  92  includes a stage  92   a , a cutting blade  92   b , and a drive mechanism  92   c.    
     Cutting blade  92   b  is driven by drive mechanism  92   c  to move in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 13  shown in the figure. Thereby, as show in  FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B) , in the state where undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A held by lift mechanism  91  is brought into contact with stage  92   a , cutting blade  92   b  moves toward stage  92   a  to thereby cut undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A along the above-mentioned cutting line CL (see  FIG. 2 ). Thus, undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A is cut in the width direction at a mid-position (more strictly, at a middle position) in its axial direction. 
     Accordingly, on the conveyance path, undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A is divided into first bag-shaped film member  141 A and second bag-shaped film member  142 A. In other words, the above-mentioned second zone Z 92  of ninth process zone Z 9  corresponds to the third cutting process region in which undivided bag-shaped film member  140 A is divided into first bag-shaped film member  141 A and second bag-shaped film member  142 A. 
     Then, as shown in  FIG. 14(C) , as a result of further pivotal movement of vacuum arms  91   b  of lift mechanism  91 , first bag-shaped film member  141 A and second bag-shaped film member  142 A held by lift mechanism  91  are disposed above lift mechanism  91 , and released from holding by vacuum arms  91   b , and thereby, dropped toward a pair of slopes  93  disposed to sandwich lift mechanism  91  therebetween, and then, slid down along the pair of slopes  93  in the direction indicated by an arrow DR 3  shown in the figure, and eventually collected therein. 
     For first bag-shaped film member  141 A and second bag-shaped film member  142 A collected in this way, the welding process is performed at their other ends (mentioned above) in the axial direction of barrel portion  101  (i.e., each end portion located on the side opposite to the end portion to which top gusset portion  102  is joined). Thereby, manufacturing of pouch container  100 A showed in  FIG. 1  completes. 
     According to the manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present embodiment as described above, manufacturing apparatus  1 A for a pouch container according to the above-mentioned present embodiment is capable of continuously manufacturing a so-called spouted pouch container  100 A in large quantities. Thus, by employing the manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus  1 A according to the present embodiment, a pouch container having a barrel portion and a spouted top gusset portion can be produced in large quantities with high production efficiency. 
     In this case, in the present embodiment, single first belt-shaped film member  121 A and single second belt-shaped film member  121 B are conveyed in parallel with separate-type tubular film members  110  at the same speed as the conveyance speed of separate-type tubular film members  110 , such that single first belt-shaped film member  121 A and single second belt-shaped film member  121 B overlap with opened first joining margin  114  and opened second joining margin  115 , respectively, of each of separate-type tubular film members  110 . Thereby, single first belt-shaped film member  121 A and single second belt-shaped film member  121 B are supplied to first opening end  111  and second opening end  112 , respectively, of each of separate-type tubular film members  110 . 
     Thus, the step of spreading first opening end  111  and second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110 ; the step of supplying first belt-shaped film member  121 A and second belt-shaped film member  121 B to first opening end  111  and second opening end  112 , respectively; and the step of welding first belt-shaped film member  121 A and second belt-shaped film member  121 B to first opening end  111  and second opening end  112 , respectively, can be performed as a series of assembly line operations on the conveyance path, thereby achieving high production efficiency. 
     Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the portion of single first belt-shaped film member  121 A that closes first opening end  111  of each of the plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110  is separated from single first belt-shaped film member  121 A. Also, the portion of single second belt-shaped film member  121 B that closes second opening end  112  of each of the plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110  is separated from single second belt-shaped film member  121 B. Thus, such separating steps can be performed as an assembly line operation on the conveyance path subsequent to the above-mentioned series of assembly line operations. Also in this point, high production efficiency is achieved. 
     Furthermore, the present embodiment provides a configuration in which the first attachment process region and the second attachment process region are provided on conveyance mechanism  2  as the same production line. In the first attachment process region, first opening end  111  of each of the plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110  is closed by a portion of single first belt-shaped film member  121 A. In the second attachment process region, second opening end  112  of each of the plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110  is closed by a portion of single second belt-shaped film member  121 B. Thus, the above-mentioned supplying step and welding step can be performed in a series of assembly line operations without performing, for example, transfer of a workpiece. Also in this point, the production efficiency is improved. 
     First Modification 
       FIG. 15  is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the first process zone and the second process zone in a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the first modification based on the above-mentioned first embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 15 , a manufacturing apparatus  1 A 1  according to the first modification will be hereinafter described. 
     Manufacturing apparatus  1 A according to the above-mentioned first embodiment is designed such that feed direction DR 1  of elongated tubular film member  132  in first process zone Z 1  is orthogonal to conveyance direction DR 2  of separate-type tubular film member  110  in second process zone Z 2 . In contrast, manufacturing apparatus  1 A 1  according to the present modification is designed such that feed direction DR 1  and conveyance direction DR 2  extend in the same direction, as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     In order to implement this design, manufacturing apparatus  1 A 1  according to the present modification includes transfer mechanism  21  that includes not only the pair of vacuum arms and the guide rail as mentioned above but also a pivot mechanism that causes the pair of vacuum arms to pivot. Thereby, separate-type tubular film member  110  held by the pair of vacuum arms changes its orientation due to pivotal movement of the pair of vacuum arms caused by the pivot mechanism, so that feed direction DR 1  and conveyance direction DR 2  extend in the same direction. 
     The configuration as described above can also achieve basically the same effect as that described in the above first embodiment. 
     Second Modification 
       FIG. 16  is a schematic perspective view showing a part of a fourth process zone in a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the second modification based on the above-mentioned first embodiment. Referring to this  FIG. 16 , a manufacturing apparatus  1 A 2  according to the second modification will be hereinafter described. 
     Manufacturing apparatus  1 A according to the above-mentioned first embodiment is configured as follows. Specifically, in the step of spreading first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110 , the above-mentioned one pair of first joining margins  114  are spread in the directions away from each other. Thereby, in the step of supplying first belt-shaped film member  121 A to first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110 , first belt-shaped film member  121 A is supplied to first opening end  111  in a posture in which a pair of main surfaces of first belt-shaped film member  121 A face horizontally (i.e., a posture in which the thickness direction of first belt-shaped film member  121 A extends horizontally). However, as shown in  FIG. 16 , manufacturing apparatus  1 A 2  according to the present modification is configured as follows. Specifically, in the step of spreading first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110 , only the joining margin on the upper surface side of the above-mentioned pair of first joining margins  114  is spread to be folded back so as to be away from the joining margin on the lower surface side. Thereby, in the step of supplying first belt-shaped film member  121 A to first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110 , first belt-shaped film member  121 A is supplied to first opening end  111  in a posture in which a pair of main surfaces of first belt-shaped film member  121 A face vertically (i.e., a posture in which the thickness direction of first belt-shaped film member  121 A extends vertically). 
     The configuration as described above can also achieve basically the same effect as that described in the above first embodiment. It should be noted that the similar configuration can be applied also in the step of spreading second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110  and the step of supplying second belt-shaped film member  121 B to second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . 
     Third Modification 
       FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram showing a process flow on a conveyance path of a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the third modification based on the above-mentioned first embodiment. Referring to this  FIG. 17 , a manufacturing apparatus  1 A 3  according to the third modification will be hereinafter described. 
     Manufacturing apparatus  1 A according to the above-described first embodiment is configured as follows. Specifically, the step of closing first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110  by a portion of first belt-shaped film member  121 A is followed by the step of closing second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110  by a portion of second belt-shaped film member  121 B. As shown in  FIG. 17 , however, manufacturing apparatus  1 A 3  according to the present modification is configured such that these steps are simultaneously performed. 
     In other words, in manufacturing apparatus  1 A 3  according to the present modification, third process zone Z 3  and sixth process zone Z 6  are provided at the same position along conveyance direction DR 2  of the workpiece in conveyance mechanism  2  such that the above-mentioned step S 4  and step S 9  are performed substantially at the same timing. Also, fourth process zone Z 4  and seventh process zone Z 7  are provided at the same position along conveyance direction DR 2  of the workpiece in conveyance mechanism  2  such that the above-mentioned steps S 5  and S 6  are performed substantially at the same timings as steps S 10  and S 11 , respectively. Further, fifth process zone Z 5  and eighth process zone Z 8  are provided at the same position along conveyance direction DR 2  of the workpiece in conveyance mechanism  2  such that the above-mentioned steps S 7  and S 8  are performed substantially at the same timings as steps S 12  and S 13 , respectively. The same position along conveyance direction DR 2  of the workpiece means the bilaterally symmetrical position on the conveyance path, and more specifically means the line-symmetrical position with respect to the central line extending in the long-side direction of the conveyance path in a plan view of the conveyance path. 
     The configuration as described above can also achieve basically the same effect as that described in the above first embodiment. Furthermore, in the configuration as described above, the step of closing first opening end  111  of each of the plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110  by a portion of single first belt-shaped film member  121 A is performed substantially at the same timing as the step of closing second opening end  112  of each of the plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110  by a portion of single second belt-shaped film member  121 B. Accordingly, the time required to manufacture pouch container  100 A can be significantly shortened while the length of conveyance mechanism  2  can be significantly shortened, so that the footprint of the manufacturing apparatus can be significantly reduced. 
     Second Embodiment 
       FIG. 18  is a view showing an external shape of a pouch container manufactured in accordance with a manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 18(A)  is a perspective view showing the front surface and the bottom surface of the pouch container.  FIG. 18(B)  is a perspective view showing the back surface and the bottom surface of the pouch container. Referring to this  FIG. 18 , a pouch container  100 B manufactured in accordance with the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the present embodiment will be first described. In  FIG. 18 , portions corresponding to welding portions W 3 , W 5 , and W 6  (described later) are represented by oblique lines in order to facilitate understanding (the same also applies to  FIGS. 19 and 22 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18(A) and 18(B) , pouch container  100 B is a so-called stand-up type spouted pouch container, and mainly includes a barrel portion  101 , a bottom gusset portion  103 , and a spout  104 . Spout  104  is provided at the end portion of barrel portion  101  on the side opposite to bottom gusset portion  103 . Also, a cap  105  is detachably attached to spout  104 . 
     Barrel portion  101  is formed of a tubular film member formed by welding together circumferential end portions of a single film-like member in a rolled state. Thus, while a welding portion W 3  extending in the up-down direction is located at a prescribed position on the back surface side of barrel portion  101 , no precipitous portion exists on the outer circumferential surface of barrel portion  101  (particularly, at both edges of barrel portion  101  in its width direction), thereby allowing excellent feel of touch. 
     Bottom gusset portion  103  is formed of a film member intended for a gusset portion and welded to one end in the axial direction of barrel portion  101  so as to close this one end of barrel portion  101 . Thereby, a welding portion W 5  having a frame shape in a plan view is located on the boundary between barrel portion  101  and bottom gusset portion  103  in the state where bottom gusset portion  103  is spread in a planar shape. Thus, welding portion W 5  forms a joint between barrel portion  101  and bottom gusset portion  103 . 
     Furthermore, the other end in the axial direction of barrel portion  101  is closed by welding together wall portions of barrel portion  101  that face each other in the state where barrel portion  101  is flatly folded. Thereby, a welding portion W 6  extending in the right-left direction is located at the other end of barrel portion  101 . 
     Spout  104  is formed of a cylindrical member having an outer circumferential surface provided with an external thread, and sandwiched between the above-mentioned wall portions of barrel portion  101  at the above-mentioned other end in the axial direction of barrel portion  101 , and thereby welded to barrel portion  101 . In other words, the above-mentioned welding portion W 6  also forms a joint between barrel portion  101  and spout  104 . 
     In this case, the tubular film member forming barrel portion  101  and the film member intended for a gusset portion and forming bottom gusset portion  103  each are made of the same materials as those of the tubular film member forming barrel portion  101  and the film member intended for a gusset portion and forming top gusset portion  102 , each of which has been described in the above first embodiment. 
       FIG. 19  is a rear view showing an external shape of an undivided bag-shaped film member in one state occurring somewhere during manufacturing of the pouch container shown in  FIG. 18 . Referring to  FIG. 19 , the following describes one state of pouch container  100 B during manufacturing shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     The manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the present embodiment is to continuously manufacture pouch container  100 B shown in  FIG. 18  in large quantities by performing various processes (cutting, bending, welding, and the like) for the materials mainly including the first to third belt-shaped film members. In this case, the first belt-shaped film member and the second belt-shaped film member (see  FIG. 22  for first belt-shaped film member  121 A) each include a plurality of portions each to be formed as bottom gusset portion  103  of pouch container  100 B. The third belt-shaped film member includes a plurality of portions each to be formed as barrel portion  101  of pouch container  100 B. 
     Among them, the third belt-shaped film member is subjected to the above-mentioned various processes to thereby gradually change its shape into an elongated tubular film member and a separate-type tubular film member (see  FIG. 22 ). In this case, separate-type tubular film member  110  includes two portions each to be formed as barrel portion  101  of pouch container  100 B. 
     In other words, similarly to the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the above-mentioned first embodiment, the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the present embodiment is to process two pouch containers  100 B as one workpiece until one stage somewhere in the manufacture steps after separate-type tubular film member  110  is fabricated. Then, this one workpiece is divided so as to eventually obtain two pouch containers  100 B from this one workpiece. Thus, the state before one workpiece is divided corresponds to the state of undivided bag-shaped film member  140 B shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , undivided bag-shaped film member  140 B is cut along cutting line CL shown in the figure so as to be divided into first bag-shaped film member  141 B and second bag-shaped film member  142 B. The above-mentioned other end in the axial direction of barrel portion  101  of first bag-shaped film member  141 B (i.e., the end portion located on the side opposite to the end portion to which bottom gusset portion  103  is joined) is continuous to the above-mentioned other end in the axial direction of barrel portion  101  of second bag-shaped film member  142 B. 
     Thus, in undivided bag-shaped film member  140 B, bottom gusset portion  103  is welded by welding portion W 5  to each of both ends in the axial direction of barrel portion  101 . Also, welding portion W 3  is formed in barrel portion  101  of first bag-shaped film member  141 B and barrel portion  101  of second bag-shaped film member  142 B so as to extend over these barrel portions. In addition, spout  104  is held by the other end in the axial direction of bag-shaped film member  141 B ( 142 B) to thereby form welding portion W 6  (see  FIG. 18 ), and thus, manufacturing of pouch container  100 B completes. 
       FIG. 20  is a diagram showing a manufacturing flow in accordance with the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the present embodiment.  FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram showing a process flow on a conveyance path in a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the present embodiment. Furthermore,  FIG. 22  is a perspective view showing a part of the fourth process zone shown in  FIG. 21 . The following describes a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus  1 B for a pouch container according to the present embodiment with reference to these  FIGS. 20 to 22 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the present embodiment is basically similar to the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the above-mentioned first embodiment, and is different therefrom mainly in that it includes steps S 5 ′ and S 10 ′ in place of the above-mentioned steps S 5  and S 10 . Thus, only the parts related to these steps S 5 ′ and S 10 ′ will be hereinafter described. 
     In step S 5 ′, first belt-shaped film member  121 A including a plurality of portions each to be formed as bottom gusset portion  103  of first bag-shaped film member  141 B is supplied to first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . In step S 10 ′, second belt-shaped film member including a plurality of portions each to be formed as bottom gusset portion  103  of second bag-shaped film member  142 B is supplied to second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . These steps S 5 ′ and S 10 ′ are performed in fourth process zone Z 4  and seventh process zone Z 7 , respectively, of manufacturing apparatus  1 B as shown in  FIG. 21 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 22 , fourth process zone Z 4  of manufacturing apparatus  1 B in which step S 5 ′ is performed includes first zone Z 41  and second zone Z 42 . Among these zones, the plurality of separate-type tubular film members  110  are sequentially conveyed so as to pass through second zone Z 42 . Also, single first belt-shaped film member  121 A is conveyed so as to pass through first zone Z 41  and second zone Z 42  in this order. 
     In first zone Z 41 , single first belt-shaped film member  121 A is fed in its long-side direction from a roll  120 A formed by winding single first belt-shaped film member  121 A, and also, the fed first belt-shaped film member  121 A is folded over in its short-side direction. Such feeding and folding of first belt-shaped film member  121 A are performed by a feeding roller  41   a . Further, feeding of first belt-shaped film member  121 A is implemented by intermittent conveyance for conveying first belt-shaped film member  121 A in a step feed manner. 
     Furthermore, in first zone Z 41 , a perforation mechanism  42   a  is used to provide a pair of hole portions in first belt-shaped film member  121 A fed by feeding roller  41   a . Perforation mechanism  42   a  includes a cutting blade and a drive mechanism that drives the cutting blade. The cutting blade moves in the direction indicated by an arrow AR 14  shown in the figure to thereby form hole portions. 
     In second zone Z 42 , first belt-shaped film member  121 A provided with a pair of hole portions is supplied to first opening end  111  of separate-type tubular film member  110  so as to overlap with opened first welding margin  114  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . Specifically, by using a guide roller and the like as the first supply mechanism, first belt-shaped film member  121 A is conveyed in the same direction as conveyance direction DR 2  of separate-type tubular film member  110 , and thus, conveyed in parallel with separate-type tubular film member  110  and also conveyed at the same speed as the conveyance speed of separate-type tubular film member  110 . 
     Thereby, in second zone Z 42 , a portion of first belt-shaped film member  121 A is brought into contact with first welding margin  114  of separate-type tubular film member  110 . In this case, the timings at which these members are conveyed are synchronously controlled, so that the portion of first belt-shaped film member  121 A is brought into contact with first joining margin  114  in the state where the pair of hole portions are properly positioned. 
     Although the detailed explanation will not be herein given, also in seventh process zone Z 7  of manufacturing apparatus  1 B in which step S 10 ′ is performed, the second belt-shaped film member is supplied to second opening end  112  of separate-type tubular film member  110  using a guide roller and the like as the second supply mechanism, as in the above-mentioned step S 5 ′. 
     After completion of step S 15  shown in  FIG. 20 , for the collected first bag-shaped film member  141 B and second bag-shaped film member  142 B, the welding process is performed at their other ends in the axial direction of barrel portion  101  (i.e., each end portion located on the side opposite to the end portion to which bottom gusset portion  103  is joined). Thereby, manufacturing of pouch container  100 B showed in  FIG. 18  completes. 
     According to the manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present embodiment as described above, manufacturing apparatus  1 B for a pouch container according to the above-mentioned present embodiment is capable of continuously manufacturing a so-called stand-up type spouted pouch container  100 B in large quantities. Thus, by employing the manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus  1 B according to the present embodiment, a pouch container having a barrel portion and a bottom gusset portion can be produced in large quantities with high production efficiency. 
     Third Embodiment 
       FIG. 23  is a view showing an external shape of a pouch container manufactured in accordance with a manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the third embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 23(A)  is a perspective view showing the front surface and the top surface of the pouch container.  FIG. 23(B)  is a perspective view showing the back surface and the top surface of the pouch container.  FIG. 24  is a rear view showing the external shape of the pouch container shown in  FIG. 23  at the completion of manufacturing of this pouch container. Referring to these  FIGS. 23 and 24 , a pouch container  100 C manufactured in accordance with the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the present embodiment will be first described. In  FIGS. 23 and 24 , portions corresponding to welding portions W 1  to W 3 , and W 5  (described later) are represented by oblique lines in order to facilitate understanding. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 23(A) and 23(B) , pouch container  100 C is a so-called stand-up type spouted pouch container, and mainly includes a barrel portion  101 , a top gusset portion  102 , a bottom gusset portion  103 , and a spout  104 . Spout  104  is provided at top gusset portion  102 . Also, a cap (not shown) is detachably attached to spout  104 . 
     Barrel portion  101  is formed of a tubular film member formed by welding together circumferential end portions of a single film-like member in a rolled state. Thus, while welding portion W 3  extending in the up-down direction is located at a prescribed position on the back surface side of barrel portion  101 , no precipitous portion exists on the outer circumferential surface of barrel portion  101  (particularly, at both edges of barrel portion  101  in its width direction), thereby allowing excellent feel of touch. 
     Top gusset portion  102  is formed of a film member intended for a gusset portion and welded to one end in the axial direction of barrel portion  101  so as to close this one end of barrel portion  101 . Thereby, a welding portion W 1  having a frame shape in a plan view is located on the boundary between barrel portion  101  and top gusset portion  102  in the state where top gusset portion  102  is spread in a planar shape. Thus, welding portion W 1  forms a joint between barrel portion  101  and top gusset portion  102 . 
     Bottom gusset portion  103  is formed of a film member intended for a gusset portion and welded to the other end in the axial direction of barrel portion  101  so as to close the other end of barrel portion  101 . Thereby, a welding portion W 5  having a frame shape in a plan view is located on the boundary between barrel portion  101  and bottom gusset portion  103  in the state where bottom gusset portion  103  is spread in a planar shape. Thus, welding portion W 5  forms a joint between barrel portion  101  and bottom gusset portion  103 . 
     Spout  104  is formed of a cylindrical member having an outer circumferential surface provided with an external thread, and welded to top gusset portion  102  so as to cover a hole portion provided in a central portion of top gusset portion  102 . Thereby, a welding portion W 2  is located so as to surround the hole portion provided in top gusset portion  102 . Thus, this welding portion W 2  forms a joint between top gusset portion  102  and spout  104 . 
     In this case, the tubular film member forming barrel portion  101  and the film member intended for a gusset portion and forming top gusset portion  102  and bottom gusset portion  103  each are made of the same materials as those of the tubular film member forming barrel portion  101  and the film member intended for a gusset portion and forming top gusset portion  102 , each of which has been described in the above first embodiment. 
     The manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the present embodiment is to continuously manufacture pouch container  100 C shown in  FIG. 23  in large quantities by performing various processes (cutting, bending, welding, and the like) for the materials mainly including the first to third belt-shaped film members. In this case, the first belt-shaped film member includes a plurality of portions each to be formed as top gusset portion  102  of pouch container  100 C; the second belt-shaped film member includes a plurality of portions each to be formed as bottom gusset portion  103  of pouch container  100 C; and the third belt-shaped film member includes a plurality of portions each to be formed as barrel portion  101  of pouch container  100 C. 
     Among them, the third belt-shaped film member is subjected to the above-mentioned various processes to thereby gradually change its shape into an elongated tubular film member and a separate-type tubular film member. In this case, the separate-type tubular film member includes only one portion to be formed as barrel portion  101  of pouch container  100 C. 
     In other words, unlike the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to each of the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the present embodiment is to perform a series of processes in the manufacturing steps after a separate-type tubular film member is fabricated, to thereby obtain pouch containers  100 C one by one. The state at the completion of manufacturing is shown in  FIG. 24 . 
     Thus, as shown in  FIG. 24 , at the completion of manufacturing, top gusset portion  102  is welded by welding portion W 1  to one end in the axial direction of barrel portion  101 , bottom gusset portion  103  is welded by welding portion W 5  to the other end in the axial direction of barrel portion  101 , and spout  104  is welded by welding portion W 2  to top gusset portion  102 . Also, welding portion W 3  is formed in barrel portion  101 . 
     In this way, according to the manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present embodiment, pouch container  100 C is directly manufactured without undergoing the state of the undivided bag-shaped film member as in the above-mentioned first embodiment. Accordingly, the process of dividing the undivided bag-shaped film member (i.e., step S 15  mentioned above) does not need to be performed. 
       FIG. 25  is a diagram showing a manufacturing flow according to the manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present embodiment.  FIG. 26  is a schematic diagram showing a process flow on a conveyance path in a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container according to the present embodiment. Referring to these  FIGS. 25 and 26 , the following describes a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus  1 C for a pouch container according to the present embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 25 , the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the present embodiment is basically similar to the manufacturing method for a pouch container according to the above-mentioned first embodiment and is different therefrom mainly in that it includes step S 10 ″ in place of the above-mentioned step S 10 , and does not include step S 15  as described above. Thus, only the parts related to step S 10 ″ will be hereinafter described. 
     In step S 10 ″, the second belt-shaped film member including a plurality of portions each to be formed as bottom gusset portion  103  of pouch container  100 C is supplied to the second opening end of the separate-type tubular film member. This step S 10 ″ is performed in seventh process zone Z 7  of manufacturing apparatus  1 C, as shown in  FIG. 26 . 
     Such supply of the second belt-shaped film member to the second opening end of the separate-type tubular film member performed in step S 10 ″ conforms to step S 5 ′ described in the above second embodiment, and therefore, the description thereof will not be repeated. 
     According to the manufacturing method for a pouch container in the present embodiment as described above, manufacturing apparatus  1 C for a pouch container according to the above-mentioned present embodiment is capable of continuously manufacturing a so-called stand-up type spouted pouch container  100 C in large quantities. Thus, by employing the manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus  1 C according to the present embodiment, a pouch container having a barrel portion, a bottom gusset portion, and a spouted top plate portion can be produced in large quantities with high production efficiency. 
     OTHER EMBODIMENTS 
     The above-mentioned first to third embodiments and modifications thereof in the present invention have been described with reference to the configuration in which a slit formed at each of the end portions on the first opening end side and the second opening end side in the extending direction of each of one pair of bent portions in the separate-type tubular film member is provided by making a cut in advance in the third belt-shaped film member in the state of the third belt-shaped film member as a material of the separate-type tubular film member. However, the timing of forming such a slit is not limited to the above-mentioned timing. For example, after an elongated tubular film member is fabricated, a cut may be made in this elongated tubular film member to thereby form a slit. Alternatively, after a separate-type tubular film member is fabricated, a cut may be made in each of the end portions in a pair of bent portions to thereby form a slit. 
     Furthermore, the above-mentioned first to third embodiments and modifications thereof in the present invention have been described with reference to the configuration in which the first opening end and the second opening end of the separate-type tubular film member are spread by utilizing an vacuum arm. Alternatively or additionally, a guide member may be inserted or air may be sprayed to thereby spread the first opening end and the second opening end. 
     Furthermore, the above-mentioned first to third embodiments and modifications thereof in the present invention have been described with reference to the configuration in which the first belt-shaped film member and the second belt-shaped film member are welded to the first opening end and the second opening end, respectively, of the separate-type tubular film member at all the welding portions by one welding process. Alternatively, such one welding process may be divided into a plurality of welding processes which may be performed in a plurality of stages (i.e., partial welding is performed several times for entirely welding all the welding portions). 
     Furthermore, the above-mentioned first to third embodiments and modifications thereof in the present invention have been described with reference to the case where the present invention is applied to the manufacturing method and the manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container equipped with a spout. However, the present invention is also applicable to a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container not equipped with a spout (by way of example, a stand-up type pouch container that includes a barrel portion and a bottom gusset portion and that can be teared open by hand, and the like). In other words, the present invention is applicable to any manufacturing method and any manufacturing apparatus for a pouch container as long as the pouch container has a barrel portion provided with a gusset portion at least on one end side in its axial direction. 
     Furthermore, the characteristic configurations described in the above first to third embodiments and modifications thereof can be combined with one another without departing from the gist of the present invention. 
     In this way, the embodiments and modifications thereof disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the terms of the claims. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       1 A,  1 A 1  to  1 A 3 ,  1 B, and  1 C manufacturing apparatus,  2  conveyance mechanism,  2 A transporting conveyor,  2 B pressing conveyor,  11  feeding roller,  12  cutting mechanism,  13  welding mechanism,  14  cooling mechanism,  15  pressing roller,  16  cutting mechanism,  21  transfer mechanism,  31 ,  31 ′ vacuum arm,  41 ,  41 ′,  41   a  feeding roller,  42 ,  42 ′,  42   a  perforation mechanism,  43 ,  43 ′ welding mechanism,  44 ,  44 ′ welding mechanism,  44   a ,  44   a ′ movable stage,  44   b ,  44   b ′ heater,  44   c ,  44   c ′ drive mechanism,  45 ,  45 ′ cutting mechanism,  45   a ,  45   a ′ movable stage,  45   b ,  45   b ′ cutting blade,  45   c ,  45   c ′ drive mechanism,  46 ,  46 ′ cutting mechanism,  91  lift mechanism,  91   a  rotation shaft,  91   b  vacuum arm,  91   c  drive mechanism,  92  cutting mechanism,  92   a  stage,  92   b  cutting blade,  92   c  drive mechanism,  100 A to  100 C pouch container,  101  barrel portion,  101   a  open end,  101   b  one end portion,  101   c  the other end portion,  101   d  seal tape,  102  top gusset portion,  103  bottom gusset portion,  104  spout,  105  cap,  106 ,  107  redundant portion,  110  separate-type tubular film member,  111  first opening end,  112  second opening end,  113  bent portion,  114  first welding margin,  115  second welding margin,  120 A,  120 B roll,  121 A first belt-shaped film member,  121 B second belt-shaped film member,  122  hole portion,  130  roll,  131  third belt-shaped film member,  132  elongated tubular film member,  140 A,  140 B undivided bag-shaped film member,  141 A,  141 B first bag-shaped film member,  142 A,  142 B second bag-shaped film member, CL cutting line, SL slit, W 1  to W 6  welding portion.