Beverage dispensing machine comprising a cleaning device

Abstract

A beverage dispensing machine, in particular a coffee machine (1), comprises a cleaning device (2), at least one first beverage system (3) and at least one second beverage system (4). The cleaning device (2) has a common cleaning agent input unit (6) for a cleaning agent for both beverage systems (3, 4). A method for cleaning a beverage dispensing machine, in particular a coffee machine, comprising a cleaning device (2), at least one first beverage system (3) and at least one second beverage system (4) is made available.

Description

[0001] Vending machine with a cleaning device

[0002] The invention relates to a beverage vending machine, in particular a coffee machine, with a cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for cleaning such a beverage vending machine.

[0003] Beverage vending machines, such as cold and hot beverage vending machines, especially coffee machines, have beverage systems with various functional units for beverage production, including pipes, heat exchangers, etc. In a coffee machine for producing coffee, especially coffee with the addition of milk or milk foam, the beverage systems are a coffee system and a milk system.

[0004] The areas of the coffee machine's coffee and milk system through which hot or cold beverages flow, preferably the pipe(s), must be thoroughly cleaned regularly with a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid used for this purpose is usually water in which a cleaning agent has been dissolved. To ensure adequate cleaning, especially in areas through which hot and / or cold beverages, especially those with or containing milk, flow, a sufficient amount of cleaning agent must be added to the water.

[0005] “Areas through which hot and / or cold beverages flow” means, in the following, that only coffee, tea, water, chocolate / cocoa or milk or milk as part of a hot or cold beverage flows through the area(s).

[0006] Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a coffee machine 1 with a cleaning device 2 according to the prior art.

[0007] Coffee machine 1 is a beverage preparation machine and is shown in a simplified manner. The description below is only an example and may apply similarly to other beverage preparation machines.

[0008] The coffee machine 1 here comprises the cleaning device 2, at least one first beverage system 3, and at least one second beverage system 4. In the case of the coffee machine, the first beverage system 3 is a coffee system. The second beverage system 4 is a milk system. The cleaning device 2 serves to clean the first beverage system 3 (coffee system), the second beverage system 4 (milk system), and the associated lines.

[0009] The cleaning device 2 according to the prior art comprises a first cleaner input unit 6 for the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) and a separate second cleaner input unit 6a for the second beverage system 4 (milk system).

[0010] The first detergent input unit 6 is arranged in a supply line 7 between the water inlet 5 and the first beverage system 3 (coffee system).

[0011] The first cleaner input unit 6 has a device for inputting a cleaner into the supply line 7. This cleaner can be in liquid or solid form. In solid form, the cleaner can be inserted, for example, into a suitable insert in the cleaner input. The cleaner is also referred to as a cleaning agent.

[0012] The first beverage system 3 (coffee system) is connected to the water inlet 5 via the supply line 7. The water inlet 5 can also be connected to a water tank (not shown).

[0013] In the supply line 7 to the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) there is also a water sensor 12 which serves to detect a water pressure, a water quantity and also the quality of the water fed into the water inlet 5.

[0014] To prepare a beverage, the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) prepares a coffee beverage using the supplied water and ground coffee (not shown). The thus prepared coffee beverage is delivered via a coffee line 8 through a beverage outlet 10.

[0015] An additive can be added to the coffee beverage. In this case, this additive is milk, which is sucked in by the second beverage system 4 (milk system) via a milk inlet line 14, 14' (more than one milk inlet line 14, 14' can also be provided) from a milk container (not shown) of a beverage unit (here: milk unit 13). Two arrows pointing in different directions are shown for the milk inlet line 14, 14'. This is intended to symbolize that, on the one hand, milk is sucked in from the milk container in the direction of the arrow of the milk inlet line 14'. On the other hand, cleaning agent is passed through the milk inlet line 14, 14' in both directions during a cleaning process, which will be described in more detail below.

[0016] The sucked-in milk is then conveyed via a milk line 16 into an additive outlet 10. In this way, the additive is subsequently added through the additive outlet 9 to the coffee already present in a container located between the outlets 9 and 10. It is of course also possible for coffee to be introduced into the container simultaneously through the beverage outlet 10 and additive through the additive outlet 9.

[0017] A milk sensor 15 is installed in the milk inlet line 14, 14', which detects the flow rate in the milk inlet line 14, 14'. This flow rate affects both the additive and the cleaning agent.

[0018] The milk unit 13 is usually cooled, e.g. a refrigerator.

[0019] The second detergent input unit 6a is located here in the milk unit 13 and is designed, for example, as a container into which liquid detergent can be poured. Detergent powder or tablets can be added and dissolved in water.

[0020] During a cleaning process, the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) and the second beverage system 4 (milk system) are cleaned separately by means of the cleaning device 2 starting from the two different cleaner input units 6 and 6a.

[0021] For the first beverage system 3 (coffee system), cleaning takes place via a first cleaning path K (coffee cleaning path). This cleaning path K runs from the first cleaner input unit 6, through the supply line 7, the first beverage system 3 (coffee system), and the coffee line 8 into the outlet 11.

[0022] A separate milk cleaning path M is provided for the second beverage system 4 (milk system). The milk cleaning path M runs from the second cleaner input unit 6a, through the milk inlet line 14, the second beverage system 4 (milk system), the milk line 16, and then into the outlet 11.

[0023] A cleaner for the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) is introduced into the first cleaner input unit 6, mixed with or dissolved in water, and fed to the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) through the supply line 7 via the first cleaning path K (coffee cleaning path). The cleaner fluid then flows through the coffee line 8 into an outlet 11. The coffee line 8 is thereby cleaned.

[0024] Another cleaner for the second beverage system 4 (milk system) is poured into the second cleaner input unit 6a, which is designed, for example, as a container. A usually flexible part of the milk inlet line 14, 14' is first removed from a milk container and inserted into the second cleaner input unit 6a. The cleaner can then be sucked from the cleaner input unit 6a by the second beverage system 4 (milk system) via the milk inlet line 14, 14' and passed through the milk cleaning path M. After cleaning the second beverage system 4 (milk system), the cleaner flows through the milk line 16 into the outlet 11. The milk line 16 is cleaned in this way.

[0025] After the cleaning process, a final rinsing process of the first beverage system 3 (coffee system), the second beverage system 4 (milk system) and the associated lines can be carried out, e.g. with water.

[0026] The document DE 10 2011 077 435 A1 concerns a cleaning system for hot drinks vending machines.

[0027] Document EP 1 911 382 A1 discloses a device for preparing and dispensing beverages with a cleaning device.

[0028] The document DE 10 2013 112 130 A1 describes a method for detecting cleaning agents in a beverage machine, in particular a coffee machine.

[0029] These designs have proven themselves to be effective, but there is a constant need for improvements in the pursuit of cost savings in components, functional groups, assembly times and maintenance.

[0030] The invention therefore aims to improve a beverage vending machine, in particular a coffee machine, with a cleaning device, thereby simplifying cleaning and enabling cost savings. A further objective is to provide an improved method for cleaning a beverage vending machine.

[0031] The invention solves this problem by a drinks vending machine with a cleaning device having the feature of claim 1 and by a method for cleaning a drinks vending machine according to claim 10.

[0032] A beverage vending machine according to the invention, in particular a coffee machine, comprises a cleaning device, at least one first beverage system, and at least one second beverage system. The cleaning device has a common cleaning agent input unit for a cleaning agent for both beverage systems.

[0033] One advantage is that, in contrast to the state of the art, cleaner only needs to be added at one point, and it can also be used for both the first beverage system (coffee system in a coffee machine) and the second beverage system (milk system in a coffee machine).

[0034] The term “common” detergent input unit means that the detergent filled here is used for both beverage systems.

[0035] A method according to the invention for cleaning a beverage vending machine, in particular a coffee machine, having a cleaning device, at least one first beverage system and at least one second beverage system comprises the method steps (VS1) introducing a cleaner or cleaning agent in solid, liquid and / or powdered form into a cleaner input unit of the cleaning device which is common to both beverage systems (3, 4), preparing a beverage unit, in particular a milk unit, for a cleaning process and starting a cleaning process of the beverage vending machine; (VS2) distributing the cleaner or cleaning agent thus introduced.Cleaning agent, in particular as a cleaning concentrate, by means of a distribution unit of the cleaning device into a first cleaning path for the first beverage system and into a second cleaning path for the second beverage system; and (VS3) cleaning both the first beverage system and the second beverage system with the same cleaner or cleaning agent.

[0036] It is particularly advantageous here that the cleaner input from the cleaner input unit common to both beverage systems is distributed by means of the distribution unit to the cleaning paths belonging to each beverage system, whereby the same cleaner is used for both systems.

[0037] Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0038] In one embodiment, the cleaning device comprises the common cleaner input unit, a common supply line, a first line, a second line, and a distribution unit. This results in an advantageously simple and compact design.

[0039] A further embodiment provides that the common supply line forms a common cleaning path from the common cleaner input unit to the distribution unit, which branches at the distribution unit into a first cleaning path for the first beverage system and a second cleaning path for the second beverage system. One advantage of this is a reduced number of lines and lower assembly and parts costs.

[0040] In a further embodiment, the distribution unit is a branch of the common supply line, i.e., the common cleaning path. This can be advantageously achieved by means of a simple line branch, i.e., a cost-effective component.

[0041] An alternative embodiment provides for the distribution unit to have either a branching valve or a valve for the first line and a valve for the second line. This provides an advantageous, controllable selection for cleaning both systems simultaneously, sequentially, or individually.

[0042] It is advantageous if the cleaning device has a sensor for detecting and monitoring the cleaning agent, which sensor is arranged on the distribution unit and / or in the distribution unit, since this can be used to determine whether cleaning agent is present or no longer present.

[0043] In another embodiment, an additional storage container for the cleaning agent and / or the cleaning concentrate is arranged in the common supply line. A particular advantage of the storage container for the cleaning agent and / or the cleaning concentrate is the homogeneity and process stability of the cleaning process. The storage container also advantageously makes it possible to reduce the number of times cleaning agent is added, as it allows the cleaning agent to be prepared and stored in advance for subsequent cleaning processes.

[0044] A further embodiment provides for the cleaning device to have at least one descaler input unit. This is an advantageous extension of the vending machine's cleaning process.

[0045] In another version, the beverage vending machine features a replaceable modular unit with storage containers for detergent and / or descaler. This is a great advantage, as the storage containers of the modular unit can be pre-filled at a suitable location and then easily and quickly replaced with the module unit containing the empty storage containers of the beverage vending machine. This allows for convenient storage and dispensing of detergent.

[0046] In one embodiment of the method, the added cleaner or cleaning agent is mixed and prepared with water in the method step (VS1). This is advantageous because it allows for a customized mixture of the cleaner.

[0047] If the cleaner or cleaning agent is stored in a storage container, it is advantageous to carry out several cleaning processes with one addition or filling of cleaner.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the method, in the second method step (VS2), distribution, the cleaning paths (K' and M') are exposed to the same cleaner or cleaning agent simultaneously, one after the other in chronological order, or individually. This advantageously makes it possible, for example, to individually clean the cleaning paths several times.

[0049] It is also advantageous if, during cleaning in the third process step (VS3) cleaning, the presence of the cleaner or cleaning agent in the cleaning paths, lines and beverage systems is detected and monitored by means of at least one sensor, since this can enable greater food safety and simple operation.

[0050] For this purpose, in a further embodiment of the method, it is advantageous if, in the cleaning step (VS3), an acoustic and / or visual signal is provided when the cleaning process is complete or when no more cleaner or cleaning agent is present in the cleaning paths, lines, and beverage systems. This results in simple and safe operation of the beverage vending machine.

[0051] The invention is described in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. The figures serve only to explain the invention in more detail and are not limiting. Individual features described can also be applied to further embodiments within the scope of general technical knowledge. They show:

[0052] Figure 1: a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a coffee machine with a cleaning device according to the prior art;

[0053] Figure 2: a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a coffee machine according to the invention with a cleaning device;

[0054] Figures 3-4: schematic block diagrams of a first variant of the embodiment of the coffee machine according to the invention according to Figure 2;

[0055] Figures 5-6: schematic block diagrams of further variants of the embodiment of the coffee machine according to the invention according to Figure 2; and

[0056] Figure 7: a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention.

[0057] Figure 1 has already been described above.

[0058] Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a coffee machine 1 according to the invention with a cleaning device 2.

[0059] The coffee machine 1 according to the invention here comprises the cleaning device 2, at least one first beverage system 3 (coffee system) and at least one second beverage system 4 (milk system). In contrast to the coffee machine 1 with the cleaning device 2 from the prior art, the coffee machine 1 according to the invention has a cleaning device 2 with only one, i.e., a common cleaner input unit 6. In other words, the cleaner input unit 6 serves to clean both the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) and the second beverage system 4 (milk system). Only one cleaner needs to be inserted into the common cleaner input unit 6. This one cleaner cleans both systems, i.e., the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) and the second beverage system 4 (milk system).

[0060] The cleaning device 2 here comprises a common cleaner input unit 6, a supply line 7, a first line 7a, a second line 7b and a distribution unit 17.

[0061] The supply line 7 forms a common cleaning path KM starting from the common cleaner input unit 6 up to the distribution unit 17, which branches at the distribution unit 17 into a first cleaning path K' (coffee cleaning path) and into a second cleaning path M' (milk cleaning path).

[0062] From the distribution unit 17, the first cleaning path K' (coffee cleaning path) runs through the first line 7a, the first beverage system 3 (coffee system), the coffee line 8 and then into the drain 11.

[0063] The second cleaning path M' (milk cleaning path) also begins at the distribution unit 17 and then runs through the second line 7b, the second beverage system 4 (milk system), the milk line 16 9 and finally into the outlet 11.

[0064] In a first embodiment, the distribution unit 17 can be a simple branch of the supply line 7, ie the common cleaning path KM.

[0065] In a second embodiment, the distribution unit 17 comprises either a branching valve or two individual valves, one for the first line 7a and one for the second line 7b. The valves are not shown but are easily conceivable. They are suitably controlled by a control unit of the coffee machine 1.

[0066] In the case of the branching valve, either the first line 7a or the second line 7b is connected to the supply line 7. In other words, in one position of the branching valve, only the first cleaning path K' (coffee cleaning path) is supplied with cleaner or only the second cleaning path M' (milk cleaning path).

[0067] In the case of the two individual valves, it is possible that either only the first cleaning path K' (coffee cleaning path) or only the second cleaning path M' (milk cleaning path) or both, ie the first cleaning path K (coffee cleaning path) and the second cleaning path M' (milk cleaning path) are supplied with cleaner.

[0068] Before a cleaning process involving the second beverage system 4 (milk system) and the milk unit 13, suitable preparations are required in the milk unit 13. These preparations concern parts of the milk inlet line, in particular flexible parts that are in contact with the milk, for example, in a milk container(s). In certain versions of the milk unit 13, these parts must then be removed from the milk container(s) and placed in a suitable collecting container or drain. After the cleaning process, these parts must be placed back in the (possibly new) milk container(s). This is not shown here, but is easily understood, and will not be explained further.

[0069] During the cleaning process, the beverage outlet 10 can also be switched on in addition to the outlet 11, e.g. by means of a valve.

[0070] The distribution unit 17 is also equipped with a sensor. This sensor detects whether detergent is present during the cleaning process and whether there is no more detergent in the water fed into the supply line 7 at the end of the cleaning process. This ensures that no detergent will contaminate a beverage during a subsequent brewing process.

[0071] This sensor for detecting the cleaning agent can be located on or / and in the distribution unit 17. This sensor can also be located at another location along the cleaning paths. Additional sensors of this type are also possible.

[0072] Figure 3 shows a schematic block diagram of a first variant of the exemplary embodiment of the coffee machine 1 according to the invention with a cleaning device 2 according to Figure 2 during a first cleaning process. Figure 4 shows the first variant of the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 3 during a second cleaning process.

[0073] In the first variant according to Figure 3 and Figure 4, an additional storage container

[0074] 18 for the cleaning agent or cleaning concentrate is inserted into the common cleaning path KM. The storage container 18 is connected to the cleaning agent input unit 6 via the supply line 7 and to the distribution unit 17 via another supply line 7'.

[0075] The detergent input unit 6 has a large device for inputting the detergent. The detergent, e.g., in tablet form, is inserted into a suitable tablet holder and inserted into the detergent input unit 6.

[0076] With the water supplied from the water inlet 5, a cleaning concentrate is formed from the dissolved cleaning tablets (or cleaning liquid in another embodiment) and fed into the internal storage container 18. The cleaning concentrate stored in the storage container 18 is then distributed by the distribution unit 17 to the first cleaning path K' (coffee cleaning path) via the first line 7a, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 3.

[0077] A distribution of the cleaning concentrate from the storage container 18 by means of the distribution unit 17 to the second cleaning path M' (milk cleaning path) via the second line 7b is shown in Figure 4 by the indicated arrows.

[0078] The advantages of the storage container 18 for the cleaning concentrate are homogeneity and process stability of the cleaning process.

[0079] Figures 5-6 show schematic block diagrams of further variants of the embodiment of the coffee machine 1 according to the invention according to Figure 2.

[0080] Figure 5 shows a second variant in which a descaler input unit 19 is arranged parallel to the cleaner input unit 6. The descaler input unit

[0081] 19 is connected to the water sensor 12 with an input via a first line 19 and to the storage tank 18 with its output via a second line 19b.

[0082] The descaler input unit 19 is equipped with a device for adding descaler in liquid, powder, tablet, or similar form. The descaler is mixed with the water from the water inlet 5 and fed into the reservoir 18, from where it is distributed to the cleaning paths KM, K', and M' as described above for the cleaner.

[0083] Figure 5 shows an example of the application of the descaler to the milk cleaning path M'.

[0084] The descaler is detected and monitored in the system by means of the sensors (sensor in the distribution unit 17 and milk sensor 15).

[0085] The second line 19b of the output of the descaler input unit 19 can also be connected, in a not shown but easily understandable embodiment, to an additional storage container for the descaler mixed with water.

[0086] Figure 6 shows a third variant of the embodiment of the coffee machine 1 according to the invention according to Figure 2 with an additional module unit 20.

[0087] The module unit 20 here has a further water inlet 5a, a further water sensor 12a, the storage container 18 for the cleaning concentrate, a further (additional) storage container 18' for the cleaning concentrate and a storage container 19 for the descaler.

[0088] The storage containers 18, 18', 18" are each provided with associated input units 6, 6a, 19 (not shown, but easily imagined).

[0089] The cleaning concentrates and the descaler can be automatically dosed from their storage containers 18, 18', 18" into the supply line 7 or into the common cleaning path KM during the cleaning processes of the cleaning device 2.

[0090] This is indicated schematically with arrows.

[0091] It is also possible for the cleaner and descaler to be stored as liquid, powder, or tablet form in separate sections of the associated storage containers 18, 18', 18" before being mixed with water, and to be refilled by the operator at significantly longer intervals. This results in a high degree of automation of the coffee machine 1 .

[0092] The water inlet 5 and the water sensor 12 already present in the coffee machine 1 can be retained, for example, if the module unit 20 is designed as a retrofit unit. Figure 7 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention for operating the cleaning device 2 of the coffee machine 1.

[0093] In a first method step VS1, a cleaning agent, e.g., in solid, liquid, or / and powdered form, is introduced into the cleaning agent input unit 6. The milk unit 13 is suitably prepared for a cleaning process, and the cleaning process is started.

[0094] The cleaner thus introduced is then distributed as a cleaner concentrate into a first cleaning path K' and a second cleaning path M' by means of the distribution unit 17 in a second process step VS2. It is possible for the cleaning paths K' and M' to be exposed to the same cleaner or cleaning agent simultaneously, one after the other in chronological order, or individually.

[0095] The cleaning concentrate is mixed or treated with water. It can also be stored in a reservoir 18, 18'. The water is monitored for pressure, quantity, and quality using a suitable sensor.

[0096] In a third process step VS3, both the first beverage system 3 and the second beverage system 4 are cleaned with the same cleaner. During cleaning, the presence of the cleaner in the cleaning paths K', M', lines, and beverage systems 3, 4 is detected and monitored.

[0097] When the cleaning process is finished or there is no more cleaner in the cleaning paths K', M' and beverage systems 3, 4, this is signaled in a suitable manner, e.g. acoustically and / or visually.

[0098] The cleaning device 2 can be switched on by an operator as needed or upon request by an operating system of the coffee machine 1 (e.g. on a display).

[0099] Here, cleaner or descaler as well as all cleaning paths K' and M' can be selected together or individually.

[0100] It is also possible for the cleaning processes of the cleaning device 2 to run automatically at specific time intervals. The invention is not limited by the above-mentioned embodiment, but can be modified within the scope of the claims.

[0101] Reference symbol

[0102] 1 coffee machine

[0103] 2 cleaning device

[0104] 3 coffee systems

[0105] 4 Milk system

[0106] 5, 5a Water inlet

[0107] 6, 6a Cleaner input unit

[0108] 7, supply line

[0109] 7a First line

[0110] 7b Second line

[0111] 8 coffee lines

[0112] 9 Additive outlet

[0113] 10 Beverage outlet

[0114] 11 Procedure

[0115] 12, 12a Water sensor

[0116] 13 milk units

[0117] 14, 14' milk inlet line

[0118] 15 Milk sensor

[0119] 16 Milk line

[0120] 17 Distribution unit

[0121] 18, 18', 18" storage container

[0122] 19 Descaler input unit

[0123] 19a, 19b line

[0124] 20 module units

[0125] KM, K, K; M, M' Cleaning path VS1, VS2, VS3 Process step

Claims

Claims 1. Beverage vending machine, in particular a coffee machine (1), comprising a cleaning device (2), at least one first beverage system (3) and at least one second beverage system (4), characterized in that the cleaning device (2) has a common cleaning agent input unit (6) for a cleaning agent for both beverage systems (3, 4).

2. Vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning device (2) comprises the common cleaner input unit (6), a common supply line (7), a first line (7a), a second line (7b) and a distribution unit (17).

3. Drinks machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the common supply line (7) starting from the common cleaner input unit (6) to the distribution unit (17) forms a common cleaning path (KM), which branches at the distribution unit (17) into a first cleaning path (K') for the first beverage system (3) and into a second cleaning path (M') for the second beverage system (4).

4. Drinks vending machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the distribution unit (17) is a branch of the common supply line (7), ie the common cleaning path (KM).

5. Vending machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the distribution unit (17) has either a branching valve or a valve for the first line (7a) and a valve for the second line (7b).

6. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (2) has a sensor for detecting and monitoring the cleaning agent, which sensor is arranged on the distribution unit (17) and / or in the distribution unit (17).

7. Drinks machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an additional storage container (18) for the cleaning agent and / or the cleaning concentrate is arranged in the common supply line (7).

8. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (2) has at least one descaler input unit (19).

9. Vending machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the vending machine has a replaceable module unit (20) with storage containers (18, 18', 18") for cleaner and / or descaler.

10. Method for cleaning a beverage machine, in particular a coffee machine, with a cleaning device (2), at least one first beverage system (3) and at least one second beverage system (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the method steps (VS1) Introducing a cleaner or cleaning agent in solid, liquid and / or powdered form into a cleaner input unit (6) of the cleaning device (2), preparing a beverage unit, in particular a milk unit (13) for a cleaning process, and starting a cleaning process of the beverage machine; (VS2) Distributing the thus added cleaner or cleaning agent, in particular as a cleaner concentrate, by means of a distribution unit (17) of the cleaning device (2) into a first cleaning path (K') for the first beverage system (3) and into a second cleaning path (M') for the second beverage system; and (VS3) Clean both the first beverage system (3) and the second beverage system (4) with the same cleaner or cleaning agent.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that in the method step (VS1) input the input cleaner or the input cleaning agent is mixed with water and processed.

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the cleaner or cleaning agent is stored in a storage container (18, 18').

13. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that in the second method step (VS2) the cleaning paths are distributed (K' and M') are exposed to the same cleaner or cleaning agent simultaneously, one after the other in chronological order, or individually.

14. Method according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that during cleaning in the third method step (VS3) Cleaning, the presence of the cleaner or cleaning agent in the cleaning paths (K', M'), lines, and beverage systems (3, 4) is detected and monitored by means of at least one sensor.

15. Method according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that in the method step (VS3) cleaning an acoustic and / or optical signal is given when the cleaning process is finished or no cleaner or cleaning agent is left in the cleaning paths (K', M'), lines and beverage systems (3, 4).

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