Mechanically assisted chemical keg cleaning

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100a, 100b) for the internal cleaning of a reusable keg (10), in which a container volume of the reusable keg (10) is at least partially filled with a cleaning medium (102). The cleaning medium remains in the reusable keg (10) for a predetermined exposure time, wherein a keg body (12) of the at least partially filled (102) reusable keg (10) is mechanically actuated by means of an actuator (14a; 14b) during the exposure time (104).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for the internal cleaning of a reusable keg, a cleaning system for carrying out the method, and a system comprising the cleaning system.

[0002] A reusable keg is a transport container for liquids, especially beverages, designed for automated filling on an industrial scale. A particular advantage of reusable kegs lies in their germ-free storage, ease of handling during transport, and convenient connection to dispensing systems. To ensure germ-free storage, stringent hygiene requirements must be met. To achieve these requirements in an automated cleaning process, internal cleaning is typically carried out using purely chemical methods. For this purpose, various cleaning agents are introduced into the reusable keg according to predetermined, sequential cleaning steps. In some cases, it is necessary to leave a cleaning agent in the container for a predetermined contact time to allow it to exert its cleaning effect sufficiently.The time required to clean a reusable keg is therefore significantly influenced by the necessary contact time of the cleaning medium. To minimize the impact of this contact time on the number of reusable kegs cleaned per unit of time, it is already known to use continuous flow systems with extended treatment sections along which the reusable kegs to be cleaned move or are temporarily stored, at least in sections, during the contact time. This contact time is thus called the "switching time." A treatment section associated with this is therefore often referred to as a "switching section."

[0003] The object of the present invention is to shorten cleaning time while maintaining the same cleaning effect. Preferably, improved cleaning effect should be achieved while maintaining the same container throughput.

[0004] This problem is solved by a method for the internal cleaning of a reusable keg with the features of claim 1. Furthermore, this problem is solved by a cleaning system with the features of claim 8. In addition, this problem is solved by a system with the features of claim 16.

[0005] The inventive method for internally cleaning a reusable keg involves filling at least part of the keg's container volume with a cleaning medium. This cleaning medium remains in the reusable keg for a predetermined exposure time. The cleaning medium may, for example, be an acid or an alkali. The cleaning medium enables chemical cleaning of the interior of the container volume.

[0006] Furthermore, according to the invention, during the exposure time, a keg body of the at least partially filled reusable keg is mechanically actuated by means of an actuator. In a preferred embodiment, the reusable keg is located in a switching station or is transported along a switching track during mechanical actuation by means of the actuator.

[0007] In connection with the present invention, the keg body of the reusable keg serves to hold a liquid, in particular a beverage. The keg body advantageously comprises a cylindrical side wall and an associated head and base. The head and base are preferably designed for standing, storing, and / or gripping the reusable keg. However, a separate connection and / or dispensing device for the reusable keg is not considered part of the keg body within the meaning of the invention. The keg body is preferably made of metal, and particularly preferably of steel or stainless steel.

[0008] The fact that mechanical stress is applied during the exposure period should not necessarily be understood in this context to mean that mechanical stress is applied for the entire duration of the exposure. For example, mechanical stress may be applied only during a portion of the exposure period or at predetermined intervals for predetermined time periods throughout the entire exposure period.

[0009] Mechanical impact on the keg body can support and potentially enhance the cleaning effect of the cleaning medium. This allows for a reduction in contact time, thereby increasing the cleaning effect of the cleaning medium per unit of time. Hygiene requirements can thus be easily met. This enables an increase in container throughput, i.e., the number of cleaned containers per unit of time. Furthermore, this ensures that fittings or other components of a reusable keg are only indirectly subjected to mechanical impact. The absorption of mechanical energy by a fitting is thus avoided, reducing the risk of damage to fittings or other components of the reusable keg.

[0010] An advantageous further development provides that the actuator mechanically acts on an outer surface of the keg body. Preferably, this outer surface is a cylindrical surface of the reusable keg. Furthermore, the head and / or the foot can be part of this outer surface. This avoids the need to access the interior of a reusable keg for cleaning. Additionally, components connected to the keg body, such as fittings, can be retained in this way. Furthermore, this prevents the actuator from introducing additional dirt or germs into the container.

[0011] A preferred embodiment provides for the aforementioned exterior surface to be mechanically actuated by a cleaning unit of a cleaning system. Advantageously, this cleaning unit is designed for the external cleaning of the reusable keg. For example, the mechanical actuation of the exterior can be achieved using brushes. Advantageously, the cleaning unit can also be used as an actuator for the mechanical actuation of the keg body. This allows for an external and an internal cleaning process to be carried out at least partially concurrently. This enables a fast and efficient cleaning process.

[0012] The actuator is particularly advantageous for mechanically impacting the outer surface of a wall that defines the container volume during the cleaning process. This allows for a largely undamped mechanical impact on the inner surface of the container wall, which is to be cleaned. This enables the cleaning effect of the cleaning medium to be targeted and efficiently supported. Furthermore, any potentially damaging effects of the actuator on other components of the reusable keg can be minimized or even avoided altogether.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator mechanically acts on the wall that directly defines the container volume. This allows the cleaning effect to be mechanically supported in a further improved manner.

[0014] Advantageously, the keg body can also be moved in an oscillating motion along at least one spatial direction to achieve the intended mechanical action of the keg body by means of the actuator. This mechanical action can take the form of vibration or shaking. A mechanically assisted cleaning effect of a cleaning medium can thus be implemented cost-effectively. Preferably, the keg body is moved in a linear, elliptical, and / or circular oscillation in this context. Alternatively or additionally, the keg body can be moved in a horizontal and / or vertical oscillation. Preferably, a longitudinal axis of the keg body is moved in an oscillating motion accordingly.With respect to the aforementioned longitudinal axis, the reusable keg is particularly preferably moved in an oscillating motion essentially perpendicular or essentially parallel to its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, simultaneous or successive oscillating movements in at least two spatial directions can be provided.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment, for the purpose of mechanically actuating the keg body, the actuator is brought into contact with it. If the outer surface of the keg body or the outer surface of the wall defining the container volume is to be mechanically actuated, the actuator can be brought into contact with said outer surface of the keg body or the outer surface of the wall defining the container volume. Bringing the actuator into contact for the purpose of mechanical actuation allows for easy placement of the container to be cleaned in a cleaning system. Requirements for positioning the keg body for the purpose of internal cleaning can therefore be minimized. This allows for an easy-to-handle procedure. Furthermore, a simple cleaning process can be implemented.Moreover, the process can be reliably carried out in both continuous flow systems and individual treatment systems. Furthermore, a consistently high cleaning effect can be achieved.

[0016] Furthermore, an actuator is proposed which is carried along with the movement of the reusable keg to be cleaned and follows this movement. Preferably, the actuator follows the moving reusable keg directly. Mechanical action can be applied during transport. This can increase the time efficiency of the process. Furthermore, existing treatment lines can be used to implement the process.

[0017] Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment provides for mechanical impingement at a frequency ranging from 1 Hz to 240 Hz. Advantageously, the keg body, preferably its outer surface and particularly preferably the outer surface of the wall defining the container volume, is mechanically impinged at this frequency. In a preferred embodiment, a frequency ranging from 20 Hz to 120 Hz, and particularly preferably from 40 Hz to 60 Hz, is selected. In certain applications, a frequency of 50 Hz has proven effective. Mechanical impingement at a predetermined frequency allows the chemical cleaning effect to be enhanced by impacts, tapping, shaking, and / or vibrations.Compared to mechanical cleaning with ultrasound or microwaves, this method can achieve a significantly improved cleaning effect, particularly for beverage containers. Furthermore, the type, extent, and intensity of the mechanical cleaning action can be precisely controlled as needed. For example, the mechanical cleaning action can be adapted to the degree and / or type of soiling. Additionally, the mechanical cleaning action can be efficiently adapted to the specific type of cleaning medium being used.

[0018] The method according to the invention can be carried out with the cleaning system according to the invention. The cleaning system can be a continuous flow system with one or more treatment stations and / or one or more treatment lines. Alternatively, the cleaning system can be a single-treatment system for the stationary treatment of a keg.

[0019] The cleaning system according to the invention comprises a treatment head and an actuator. The treatment head is configured to introduce a cleaning medium into a reusable keg to be cleaned. The cleaning medium and the reusable keg are, in particular, cleaning media and reusable kegs of the type previously described in connection with the method. The actuator is designed to mechanically actuate a keg body of the reusable keg to be cleaned, which is at least partially filled with the cleaning medium. The actuator and the keg body are, in particular, actuators and keg bodies of the type already previously described in connection with the method.

[0020] This approach allows for the provision of a compact cleaning system. Furthermore, it reduces cleaning time and enables a high throughput, meaning a high number of cleaned reusable kegs per unit of time. In particular, the diverting section can be shortened. Moreover, existing systems can be easily retrofitted to increase efficiency and / or throughput.

[0021] Preferably, the actuator comprises a shaker generator, a vibration generator, a pneumatically or hydraulically operated interval hammer, a microwave generator, and / or an acoustic generator. In this context, the acoustic generator can be used to generate ultrasound, audible sound, and / or infrasound. This allows for the cost-effective provision of various types of mechanical action. The cleaning system can thus be designed flexibly and according to requirements.

[0022] Advantageously, the actuator can contact the outside of the keg body. Preferably, the actuator can contact the outside of the wall that defines the container volume. This allows the actuator to act mechanically on the keg body directly and as needed. Reusable kegs of different sizes or shapes can be processed with the same cleaning system. In the preferred application, no modifications or conversions are necessary. Furthermore, this allows for easy loading of the cleaning system with reusable kegs to be cleaned. In addition, established cleaning procedures can be retained.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator is configured to make direct contact with the outside of the keg body, in particular the outside of the wall that defines the container volume. For this purpose, an arm can be provided, for example, by means of which the actuator can be brought into contact with the reusable keg to be cleaned.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the actuator is designed as a stationary actuator. The stationary actuator can be designed as a vibratory plate or a flexibly movable actuator.

[0025] Alternatively, in an advantageous embodiment, the actuator can be designed as a mobile actuator. For example, the mobile actuator can be part of a belt, cap, or hood. Preferably, the mobile actuator is attached to the keg body. Furthermore, a guide device can be provided along which the mobile actuator is moved with the movement of the reusable keg. In this way, the actuator can be moved along with the keg in a cost-effective manner. The mobile actuator enables reliable contact with the keg body.

[0026] An advantageous further development of the cleaning system provides that the keg body can be mechanically actuated with a frequency from 1 Hz to 240 Hz inclusive. Preferably, the keg body can be mechanically actuated with the aforementioned frequency by means of the actuator on its outer surface, and particularly preferably on the wall that defines the outer surface of the container volume. In a preferred embodiment, a frequency from a range of preferably 20 Hz to 120 Hz inclusive, and particularly preferably 40 Hz to 60 Hz inclusive, is provided for the purpose of mechanically actuating the keg body by means of the actuator. The chemical cleaning effect of a cleaning medium located in the container volume of the reusable keg can be enhanced by impacts, tapping, shaking, and / or vibrations.Compared to mechanically applying ultrasound or microwaves to the keg body, this method achieves an improved cleaning effect. Preferably, mechanical application at a frequency of 50 Hz is used for cleaning beverage containers.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the cleaning system is designed as a continuous flow system. This allows several reusable kegs to be processed simultaneously. Preferably, multiple reusable kegs can be transported in a single continuous flow system. In this case, a treatment section is provided along which several reusable kegs can be transported. This treatment section can be used to bridge the contact time of the cleaning medium without interrupting continuous operation. In this context, this allows for increased container throughput while maintaining high hygiene standards. Furthermore, a large number of reusable kegs to be cleaned can be processed and mechanically subjected simultaneously. This enables the provision of an efficient and demand-oriented scalable cleaning system.The treatment section in question is expediently a diverting section along which a reusable keg, at least partially filled with a cleaning medium and to be cleaned, is transported during a specified exposure time of the cleaning medium.

[0028] Preferably, the actuator is designed to be movable along at least part of the aforementioned predetermined treatment path. This allows for a reduction in the required space. Therefore, the required installation space of the cleaning system can be kept small. In existing cleaning systems, this advantageously allows a treatment path, which is designed as a diverting section, to be shortened.

[0029] Furthermore, an advantageous further development provides that the cleaning system includes a treatment station and / or a treatment section to provide a sufficient exposure time for the cleaning medium introduced into the reusable keg. In this context, the actuator is arranged such that a reusable keg to be cleaned can be mechanically actuated during the exposure time in the treatment station and / or along the treatment section. This allows for a high cleaning performance. Moreover, the treatment section can be kept short to provide the necessary exposure time. The fact that the reusable keg is mechanically actuated during the exposure time does not necessarily mean that the mechanical actuation occurs for the entire duration of the exposure time.The mechanical impact on the reusable keg can be applied either for the entire exposure time or for a portion of it. Furthermore, it is conceivable that mechanical impact occurs at various predetermined time intervals during the exposure time.

[0030] Furthermore, it is proposed that the cleaning system include a transport device. This transport device allows a reusable keg to be transported along a specific transport direction. The aforementioned treatment station and / or treatment line is located downstream of the aforementioned treatment head, viewed along this transport direction. A reusable keg to be cleaned, transported by the device, therefore first reaches the treatment head to be at least partially filled with the cleaning medium. The reusable keg is then transported along the transport direction to the treatment station and / or treatment line. The transport line can thus be used as the treatment line. This design also enables the provision of an efficient and compact continuous flow system.

[0031] The system according to the invention comprises the cleaning system according to the invention. Furthermore, the system according to the invention includes a filling system. The filling system is configured to introduce a liquid into a reusable keg that has been cleaned by the cleaning system. Preferably, the filling system is configured to introduce a beverage into the cleaned reusable keg. The filling system includes an additional treatment head. Advantageously, the additional treatment head is located downstream of the aforementioned treatment head of the cleaning system. This makes it possible to provide an efficient and compact system in which reusable kegs can be cleaned and filled in a single, continuous operation. This system preferably has a high keg throughput and thus high time and cost efficiency.

[0032] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures. Where expedient, elements with the same effect are designated with the same reference numerals. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the figures – not even with regard to functional features. The preceding description, as well as the subsequent description of the figures, contains numerous features, some of which are summarized in the dependent claims. However, those skilled in the art will also consider these features, as well as all other features disclosed above and in the subsequent description of the figures, individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations. The figures described below are schematic drawings and not to scale.

[0033] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention with the cleaning system according to the invention and an illustration of an example of the method according to the invention; Fig. 2 a further illustration of the example of the method according to the invention by means of a schematic flowchart; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the system according to the invention with the cleaning system according to the invention as well as an illustration of a second example of the method according to the invention; Fig. 4 A further illustration of the second example of the method according to the invention by means of a schematic flowchart.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system 34a, which comprises a cleaning system 22a in combination with a filling system 36. For clarity, in Fig. 1. As an example, a section of the cleaning plant 22a and a section of the filling plant 36 are shown schematically. Furthermore, illustrated Fig. 1 an example of a process 100a for the internal cleaning of a reusable keg 10.

[0035] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 1 For example, the cleaning system 22a and the filling system 36 are connected to each other by a transport device 30. The transport device 30 is, for example, a conveyor belt on which reusable kegs 10 are transported along a transport direction 32 through both the cleaning system 22a and the filling system 36. The embodiment of system 34a described here is therefore designed as a continuous flow system.

[0036] The exemplary section of the embodiment of the cleaning system 22a shown here has a treatment head 24. This treatment head 24 is designed to introduce a cleaning medium into a reusable keg 10 to be cleaned. In this example, the reusable keg 10 to be cleaned is filled with a cleaning medium 102, which contains an alkaline solution. In order for the alkaline solution to have a cleaning effect, it must remain in the reusable keg 10 to be cleaned for a predetermined exposure time. During this exposure time, the reusable keg 10 to be cleaned, which is at least partially filled with the cleaning medium 102, is moved by the transport device 30 from the treatment head 24 along a treatment path 28 110. In this way, the alkaline solution has the opportunity to exert its cleaning effect without interrupting the operation of the cleaning system 22a.

[0037] Furthermore, the cleaning system 22a has an actuator 14a by means of which the reusable keg 10 to be cleaned can be mechanically actuated. Initially, in the present embodiment, the actuator 14a is brought into contact with an outer surface 16 of the keg body 12 108. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a pivotable arm (not shown in detail). In a preferred embodiment, the actuator 14a is brought into contact with an outer surface of the wall 18 that delimits the container volume 108 in order to make contact with it for the purpose of mechanical actuation 104. The actuator 14a is, by way of example, designed as a vibration generator, a pneumatically or hydraulically operated interval hammer, a microwave generator, and / or a sound generator.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface 16 of the keg body 12 or, optionally, the outer surface of the wall 18 limiting the container volume is actuated by the actuator 14a with a frequency of 50 Hz 104.

[0039] Furthermore, it is provided that the actuator 14a is guided along at least part of the treatment path 28 with the moving reusable keg 10 to be cleaned 112. Preferably, the actuator 14a is designed as a mobile actuator for this purpose. By way of example, it can be guided by means of a guide device not shown in detail 112. In a preferred embodiment, the mobile actuator 14a is part of a cap, a belt, or a hood. In this way, the mobile actuator 14a can be guided in an economical manner 112. Thus, a reusable keg 10 to be cleaned can be equipped with the mobile actuator 14a while it is being filled with the cleaning medium, for example 102. This allows for an improved process of the illustrated example of method 100a.

[0040] The mobile actuator 14a mechanically agitates the reusable keg 10 to be cleaned during the contact time with the cleaning medium 104. This allows the chemical cleaning effect of the caustic solution to be mechanically enhanced. As a result, the required contact time can be shortened. The treatment section 28 can therefore be kept short. At the same time, the increased cleaning effect allows for a higher throughput of the container.

[0041] After cleaning, the reusable keg 10 in the exemplary embodiment of system 34a described here is provided for in a cleaned state by being fed to the filling system 36. The reusable kegs 10, cleaned by the cleaning system 22a, are transported to the filling system 36 by means of the transport device 30. The filling system 36 is configured, by way of example, to fill a beverage into the cleaned reusable keg 10. For this purpose, the filling system 36 has an additional treatment head 26, which is located downstream of the treatment head 24 when viewed in the transport direction 32.

[0042] Fig. 2 illustrates, using a schematic flowchart, the process related to Fig. 1 described example of method 100a for the purpose of internal cleaning of the reusable keg 10 using the embodiment of the cleaning system 22a.

[0043] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of system 34b. Furthermore, it illustrates Fig. 3 schematically another example of a process 100b for the purpose of internal cleaning of the reusable keg 10.

[0044] Unlike the one related to Fig. In the embodiment of system 34a described in section 1, the further embodiment of system 34b described here has at least one stationary actuator 14b instead of a mobile actuator 14a.

[0045] In the further embodiment of system 34b described here, the reusable keg 10 to be cleaned, which is at least partially filled with the cleaning medium, is transported by means of the transport device 30 in the transport direction 32 towards the stationary actuator 14b. The stationary actuator 14b is, for example, a vibrating plate or a vibratory plate. The reusable keg 10 to be cleaned is mechanically acted upon by means of the stationary actuator 14b in such a way 104 that it is moved in an oscillating manner in at least one spatial direction 20 106.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the keg body 12 of the reusable keg 10 to be cleaned is placed on the stationary actuator 14b. The keg body 12 is then moved, for example, in a horizontal plane in two spatial directions 20 that are essentially perpendicular to each other, in an oscillating motion 106. This mechanically acts upon the reusable keg 10 to be cleaned by means of shaking and / or vibration 104. This enhances the cleaning effect of the cleaning medium located in the container volume of the reusable keg 10. Advantageously, several treatment stations 38 can be provided along a treatment line 28, each equipped with a stationary actuator 14b of the type described above for the purpose of mechanically acting upon the reusable keg 10 to be cleaned 104. In this way, an efficient and compact discontinuous continuous flow system can be implemented.

[0047] Fig. 4 illustrates this in connection with Fig. 3 further example of procedure 100b described for the purpose of internal cleaning of the reusable keg 10 using a schematic flowchart.

[0048] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in connection with the figures, it is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived by the person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection of the invention. Reference symbol list 10 reusable kegs 12 keg bodies 14a Actuator 14b Actuator 16 Outside 18 wall 20 Spatial direction 22a Cleaning plant 22b Cleaning system 24 treatment heads 26 additional treatment heads 28 treatment route 30 Transport device 32 Transport direction 34a System 34b System 36 Filling plant 38 Treatment ward 100a procedure 100b procedure 102 Filling 104 mechanically actuated 106 oscillating movement 108 Introduction 110 Move 112 Carry with you

Claims

[1] Method (100a, 100b) for the internal cleaning of a reusable keg (10), wherein - a container volume of the reusable keg (10) is at least partially filled with a cleaning medium (102), wherein the cleaning medium remains in the reusable keg (10) for a specified exposure time; - a keg body (12) of the at least partially filled (102) reusable keg (10) is mechanically actuated by means of an actuator (14a; 14b) during the exposure time (104). [2] Method (100a; 100b) according to claim 1, wherein an outer surface (16) of said keg body (12) is mechanically actuated by means of the actuator (14a; 14b) (104). [3] Method (100a; 100b) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an outer surface of a wall (18) limiting the container volume is mechanically actuated by means of the actuator (14a; 14b) (104). [4] Method (100b) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the said keg body (12) is mechanically actuated (104) by moving it in an oscillating manner along at least one spatial direction (20) (106). [5] Method (100a) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (14a) is brought near the keg body (12) for the purpose of mechanical actuation (104), preferably near the outside (16) of the keg body (12) and particularly preferably near the outside of the wall (18) limiting the container volume (108). [6] Method (100a) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reusable keg (10) is moved (110) during cleaning and the actuator (14a) is carried along (112) such that it follows the movement (110) of the reusable keg (10) to be cleaned. [7] Method (100a; 100b) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the keg body (12), preferably the outside (16) of the keg body (12) and particularly preferably the outside of the wall (18) limiting the container volume, is mechanically acted upon with a frequency from a range of values ​​from 1 Hz to 240 Hz including inclusive, preferably from 20 Hz to 120 Hz including inclusive and particularly preferably from 40 Hz to 60 Hz including inclusive (104). [8] Cleaning system (22a; 22b) for carrying out the method (100a; 100b) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising - a treatment head (24) by means of which a cleaning medium can be introduced into a reusable keg (10) to be cleaned; - an actuator (14a; 14b) by means of which a keg body (12) of the reusable keg (10) to be cleaned and at least partially filled with the cleaning medium (102) can be mechanically actuated. [9] Cleaning system (22a; 22b) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the actuator (14a; 14b) includes a shaker generator, a vibration generator, a pneumatically or hydraulically operated interval hammer, a microwave generator and / or a sound generator. [10] Cleaning system (22a; 22b) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the outside (16) of the keg body (12), preferably the outside of the wall (18) limiting the container volume, can be contacted by means of the actuator (14a; 14b). [11] Cleaning system (22a; 22b) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by, that by means of the actuator (14a; 14b) the keg body (12), preferably the outside (16) of the keg body (12) and particularly preferably the outside of the wall (18) limiting the container volume, can be mechanically actuated with a frequency from a range of values ​​from 1 Hz to 240 Hz including inclusive, preferably from 20 Hz to 120 Hz including inclusive and particularly preferably from 40 Hz to 60 Hz including inclusive. [12] Cleaning system (22a; 22b) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by , that - the cleaning system (22a; 22b) is designed as a continuous flow system; - along a predetermined treatment route (28) a transport of several reusable kegs (10) to be cleaned is provided. [13] Cleaning system (22a) according to claim 12, characterized by, that the actuator (14a) is designed to be transportable along at least part of the predetermined treatment path (28) of the cleaning system (22a; 22b). [14] Cleaning system (22a; 22b) according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized by , that - for the purpose of providing an exposure time for the cleaning medium introduced into the reusable keg (10), a treatment station (38) and / or a treatment section (28) is provided; - the actuator (14a; 14b) is arranged such that a reusable keg (10) to be cleaned can be mechanically actuated during the exposure time in the treatment station (38) and / or along the treatment path (28). [15] Cleaning system (22a; 22b) according to claim 14, characterized bya transport device (30) by means of which a reusable keg (10) to be cleaned can be transported along a transport direction (32), wherein the aforementioned treatment station (38) and / or treatment section (28) is located downstream of the aforementioned treatment head (24) in the transport direction (32). [16] System (34a; 34b) exhibiting: - a cleaning system (22a; 22b) for cleaning, preferably internal cleaning, a reusable keg (10) according to one of claims 8 to 15; - a filling system (36) which has a further treatment head (26) by means of which a liquid, preferably a beverage, can be introduced into a reusable keg (10) cleaned by the cleaning system (22a; 22b).

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