Beverage dispensing machine comprising a cleaning device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024709686
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-03-08
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing coffee machines face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively cleaning their beverage systems and associated lines, particularly due to the need for separate cleaning agents and complex handling of milk and coffee systems, which increases maintenance time and component costs.
A cleaning device with a connection unit that allows for detachable and sensor-activated input lines for additives like milk, enabling simultaneous and safe cleaning of both coffee and milk systems without additional containers, and using a common cleaner input unit for both systems to simplify the cleaning process.
This solution simplifies the cleaning process, reduces the need for additional components, ensures safe handling, and allows for quick and effective cleaning of all beverage system components, thereby reducing maintenance time and costs.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024055624_12092024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
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] Figures 1 and 2 show schematic block diagrams of an embodiment of a coffee machine 1 with a cleaning device 2 according to the prior art.
[0007] Figure 1 shows the coffee machine 1 during a brewing process. The cleaning device 2 is only indicated by its reference symbol.
[0008] Figure 2 shows the coffee machine 1 with the cleaning device 2 during a cleaning process according to the prior art.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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 1, the first beverage system 3 is a coffee system. The second beverage system 4 is a milk system.
[0011] The cleaning device 2 is used to clean the first beverage system 3 (coffee system), the second beverage system 4 (milk system) and the associated lines.
[0012] The cleaning device 2 according to the prior art comprises a first cleaner input unit 15 for the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) and a separate second cleaner input unit 17, here in the form of a cleaner container 17a, for the second beverage system 4 (milk system).
[0013] The first detergent input unit 15 is arranged in a supply line 16 between a water inlet 5 and the first beverage system 3 (coffee system).
[0014] The first cleaner input unit 15 has a device for inputting a cleaner into the supply line 16. 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.
[0015] The first beverage system 3 (coffee system) is connected to the water inlet 5 via the supply line 17. The water inlet 5 can also be connected to a water tank (not shown).
[0016] In the supply line 17 to the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) there is also a water sensor 14 which is connected to the water inlet 15 and serves to detect a water pressure, a water quantity and also the quality of the water fed into the water inlet 5.
[0017] To prepare a beverage, the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) prepares a coffee beverage in a first operating state of the coffee machine 1 using the supplied water and ground coffee (not shown). The coffee beverage thus prepared is supplied via a coffee line 3a.
[0018] An additive can be added to the coffee beverage. This additive is milk, which is pumped from the second beverage system 4 (milk system) through an additive line 4a into an additive outlet 7. In this way, the additive is subsequently added through the additive outlet 7 to the coffee already present in a container below the outlets 6 and 7. It is of course also possible for coffee to be introduced into the container simultaneously through the beverage outlet 6 and the additive through the additive outlet 7.
[0019] The additive, i.e., the milk, is drawn from a container 12 (here: two containers 12) of a beverage unit 10 via a supply line 9, 9'. There may also be more than two containers 12. For this purpose, an inlet line 13 is provided for each container 12. The container 12 may also be a bag in a container or a milk carton.
[0020] Two arrows pointing in different directions are shown here for the supply line 9, 9'. This symbolizes that, on the one hand, milk is drawn from the milk container in the direction of the arrow on the supply line 9'. On the other hand, cleaning agent is flowed through the supply line 9, 9' in both directions during a cleaning process, which is described in detail below.
[0021] Each input line 13 is either completely flexible or at least partially flexible and has a first line end 13a, with which each input line is firmly connected to a first connection 11a of a connection unit 11 in a suitable manner, e.g. with suitable pipe / hose connections.
[0022] A second, free line end 13b of each input line 13 is immersed in the liquid (additive) contained in the associated container 12.
[0023] The connection unit 11 forms an interface between the supply line 9, 9' and the input lines 13. In a simple embodiment, the connection unit 11 is designed as a branch from the supply line 9, 9' into the input lines 13. In another embodiment, the connection unit 11 can have valves (not shown, but easily conceivable) for individually connecting / blocking the input lines 13 and / or the supply line 9, 9'.
[0024] A sensor 4b is installed in the supply line 9, 9', which detects a flow rate in the supply line 9, 9'. The beverage unit 10 can be refrigerated, e.g., by a refrigerator.
[0025] The second detergent input unit 17 is arranged here in the beverage unit 10 and is designed as a detergent container 17a into which liquid detergent can be poured. Of course, detergent powder or tablets can also be added to water and dissolved beforehand or in water in the detergent container 17a.
[0026] During a cleaning process in a second operating state of the coffee machine 1, 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 15 and 17.
[0027] For the first beverage system 3 (coffee system), cleaning takes place from the first cleaner input unit 15, through the supply line 16, the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) and the coffee line 3a into a drain 8.
[0028] Preparations must be made for the separate second beverage system 4 (milk system), whereby the flexible input lines 13 or their flexible parts are removed from the respective container 12 with the respective second line end 13b and inserted with their first, free line ends 13a into the cleaner vessel 17 of the second cleaner input unit 17. The containers 12 are removed, cleaned separately, or replaced with new containers 12. The containers 12 can, for example, also be commercially available beverage packaging such as bags, cartons, or the like.
[0029] Thereafter, cleaning takes place from the cleaner vessel 17a of the second cleaner input unit 17, starting through the inlet lines 13, the connection unit 11, the supply lines 9 and / or 9' (supply line 9' for the return), the second beverage system 4 (milk system), the additive line 4a and then into the outlet 8.
[0030] A cleaner for the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) is added to the first cleaner input unit 15, mixed with or dissolved in water, and fed to the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) via the supply line 16. The cleaner liquid then flows through the coffee line 3a into an outlet 8. The coffee line 3a is also cleaned in the process. Another cleaner for the second beverage system 4 (milk system) is poured into the cleaner container 17a of the second cleaner input unit 17. The cleaner can then be sucked from the cleaner container 17a of the second cleaner input unit 17 by the second beverage system 4 (milk system) via the inlet lines 13, the connection unit 11, and the supply line 9' or 9 and fed through the second beverage system 4 (milk system). After cleaning the second beverage system 4 (milk system), the cleaner flows through the additive line 4a into the outlet 8.In this way, the lines 13, 9, 9', and 4a, and the connection unit 11 are cleaned.
[0031] 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.
[0032] Then the input lines 13 with their second, free line ends 13b are to be plugged back into the associated, possibly new or separately cleaned, containers 12.
[0033] The document DE 10 2011 077 435 A1 concerns a cleaning system for hot drinks vending machines.
[0034] Document EP 1 911 382 A1 discloses a device for preparing and dispensing beverages with a cleaning device.
[0035] The document DE 10 2013 112 130 A1 describes a method for detecting cleaning agents in a beverage machine, in particular a coffee machine.
[0036] 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.
[0037] The invention therefore has the object of improving a beverage vending machine, in particular a coffee machine, with a cleaning device, whereby a simplification of cleaning and cost savings can be made possible.
[0038] A further object is to provide an improved method for cleaning a beverage vending machine. The invention achieves this object by a beverage vending machine with a cleaning device having the feature of claim 1 and by a method for cleaning a beverage vending machine according to claim 8.
[0039] 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, wherein the at least one second beverage system has at least one inlet line for an additive, in particular milk, wherein the at least one inlet line for the additive is connected to at least one connection unit which is connected to the at least one beverage system. The at least one connection unit has at least one first connection, to which the at least one inlet line for the additive is permanently connected with a first line end, and at least one second connection, wherein the at least one second connection forms a detachable connection with a second, free line end of the at least one inlet line for the additive.
[0040] This is advantageous because it prevents confusion between the connections. Furthermore, the detachability of the second, free cable end at the additional connection of the connection unit allows for safe, simple, and quick handling.
[0041] A further advantage is that the simple connection unit consists of only one or more connections, allowing the input lines to be connected and disconnected quickly and easily. Of course, this connection unit can also be designed larger and have its own housing with additional functions, such as shut-off valves, valves, indicators, etc.
[0042] 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, wherein the at least one second beverage system has at least one inlet line for an additive, in particular milk, comprises the method steps (VS1) introducing a cleaner orCleaning agent in solid, liquid and / or powdered form into a cleaning agent input unit of the cleaning device; (VS2) preparing a beverage unit of the at least one second beverage system by removing at least one inlet line for the additive with its second, free line end from a container and connecting it to a second connection of a connection unit, detecting the thus connected second, free line end of the at least one inlet line by means of a sensor; and (VS3) cleaning both the first beverage system and the second beverage system after the connected second, free line end of the at least one inlet line has been detected.
[0043] A particular advantage of this is that, on the one hand, no additional cleaning vessel is required, and, on the other hand, the cleaning process can only begin once the inlet line has been connected to its free end. This ensures safe handling of the inlet lines, which are thus always included in the cleaning process.
[0044] Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.
[0045] In one embodiment, the second, free end of the at least one inlet line for the additive is arranged in a container for the additive during a first operating state of the coffee machine, in which the coffee machine is preparing a beverage. This allows the inlet line to continue to be used to draw in the additive as usual, and advantageously, no additional components are required.
[0046] Yet another embodiment provides that the second, free line end of the at least one inlet line for the additive is detachably connected to the at least one second connection of the at least one connection unit during a second operating state of the coffee machine, in which the coffee machine is being cleaned. In this way, a loop of the inlet line is formed so that it is advantageously included in the cleaning process in such a way that it can be completely cleaned, with the cleaning fluid being drained away again via the second connection of the connection unit. Advantageously, no cleaning work is required in the area of the inlet lines.
[0047] It is also advantageous if the at least one second connection of the at least one connection unit has a sensor which detects a connection of the at least one second connection to the second, free line end of the at least one inlet line for the additive, since in this way a cleaning process can only be started when the inlet line(s) is / are fully connected with its second line end(s). A further advantage is that the at least one second connection of the at least one connection unit is designed as a hose nozzle and / or a quick-release coupling, since this enables quick and safe connection and disconnection of the inlet line.
[0048] In a further embodiment, it is advantageous if the cleaning device has a sensor for detecting and monitoring the cleaning agent, since this can be used to determine whether cleaner is present or no longer present.
[0049] In another embodiment, the cleaning device has a common cleaning agent input unit for both beverage systems. This is advantageous because it eliminates several components.
[0050] A further embodiment of the method provides that, in the process step (VS1), the added detergent or cleaning agent is mixed with water and prepared. This allows for simple detergent preparation to be advantageously carried out in the coffee machine.
[0051] In yet another embodiment of the method, after the cleaning process at the end of process step (VS1) cleaning, the at least one input line is removed with its second, free line end from the second connection of the connection unit and placed in a new container. This can be achieved in an advantageously simple and rapid manner. For this purpose, the second connection of the connection unit can have a quick-action coupling.
[0052] Another embodiment of the method provides that during cleaning in the third method step (VS3) the presence of the cleaner or cleaning agent in the lines and beverage systems is detected and monitored by at least one sensor. This advantageously ensures that no cleaner is present during the subsequent beverage preparation. For this purpose, an acoustic and / or visual signal can also advantageously be provided when the cleaning process is complete or when no cleaner or cleaning agent remains in the lines and beverage systems.
[0053] 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:
[0054] Figures 1 -2: schematic block diagrams of an embodiment of a coffee machine with a cleaning device according to the prior art;
[0055] Figures 3-4: schematic block diagrams of an embodiment of a coffee machine according to the invention with a cleaning device; and
[0056] Figure 5: a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention.
[0057] Figures 1 and 2 have already been described above.
[0058] Figure 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a coffee machine 1 according to the invention with a cleaning device 2.
[0059] Figure 4 shows an enlarged schematic view of a beverage unit 10 according to Figure 3 in a block diagram.
[0060] The coffee machine 1 according to the invention comprises the cleaning device 2, at least one first beverage system 3 (coffee system), and at least one second beverage system 4 (milk system), to which a beverage unit 10 is assigned. Containers 12 for the beverage, ie, milk in this case, are arranged in the beverage unit 10. The beverage unit 10 can, for example, be a refrigerated container such as a refrigerator.
[0061] The first beverage system 3 (coffee system) is connected to the beverage outlet 6 via the coffee line 3a, and the second beverage system 4 (milk system) is connected to the additive outlet 7 via the additive line 4a, as described above. The connections to the outlet 8 have also been explained above.
[0062] The cleaning device 2 of the coffee machine 1 according to the invention comprises a first cleaner input unit 15 for the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) with the associated supply line 16, and a separate second cleaner input unit 20 in the beverage unit 10 for the second beverage system 4 (milk system) as well as a connection unit 11 for at least one input line 13 for the additive, which here is milk.
[0063] The first detergent input unit 15 is arranged in a supply line 16 between a water inlet 5 and the first beverage system 3 (coffee system).
[0064] The at least one inlet line 13 has a first line end 13a and a second, free line end 13b. The at least one inlet line 13 is permanently connected to the connection unit 11 at a connection 11a via the first line end 13a. The second, free line end 13b is freely movable relative to the first line end 13a and, in the operating state of the coffee machine 1, in which it prepares beverages, is arranged in the container 12 so that milk can be sucked from the container 12 via the associated inlet line 13.
[0065] The connection unit 11 of the coffee machine 1 according to the invention with the cleaning device 2 has at least one second connection 11 b as a detachable connection for the free line end 13 b of the at least one inlet line 13.
[0066] In a simple design, the connection unit 11 can consist only of the connections 11a, 11b and associated connecting lines and can be arranged on or in the second beverage system 4. It is of course also possible for the connection unit 11 to have its own housing.
[0067] In preparation for cleaning the second beverage system 4 (milk system), the at least one inlet line 13 is removed from the container 12 with its first, free line end 13a and then connected to the at least one second connection 11b of the connection unit 11. This is done, for example, by the line ends 13a being designed as hoses and being pushed over a corresponding hose nozzle of the respective second connection 11b of the connection unit 11. Of course, other designs of the at least one inlet line 13 are also possible, e.g., a jointed pipe or the like.
[0068] Instead of a hose nozzle, a suitable, standard hose connection, e.g., with a quick-release fastener, can of course also be used. In this way, at least one inlet line 13 forms a loop and can thus be flushed through by the cleaner. A collecting vessel or the cleaner vessel 17a is not required.
[0069] For this purpose, the connection unit 11 can, for example, have valves that enable such a circulating cleaning / flushing of the at least one inlet line 13. Different cleaning paths are possible.
[0070] In a variant of the cleaning process, the second beverage system 4 can also be cleaned only up to the connection unit 11, wherein the second, free line ends 13b of the input lines 13 remain in their positions in the containers 12 and are blocked by valves in the connection unit 11. This variant of the cleaning process can, for example, be carried out daily, whereby the additional cleaning of the input lines 13, which are then connected by their second, free line ends 13b to the second connection 11b of the connection unit 11, can be carried out at longer intervals as needed.
[0071] A sensor (not shown, but easily conceivable) is associated with the at least one second terminal 11b of the connection unit 11. This sensor detects whether or not a line end 13a of the associated input line 13 is connected to the respective second terminal 11b.
[0072] This sensor can be, for example, a contact sensor, proximity switch or a microswitch which is actuated by the connected cable end 13a via a suitable plunger or the like.
[0073] The sensor is connected to an evaluation circuit of a control system (also not shown, but easily imagined) of the coffee machine 1. This ensures that the input lines are connected before the cleaning process begins.
[0074] For the cleaning process of the milk system 4, cleaning agent is introduced into the second cleaning agent input unit 20 in the beverage unit 10. The second cleaning agent input unit 20 can be connected, for example, to the connection unit 11 in a manner not described in detail, in order to introduce the cleaning agent into the second beverage system 4 (milk system). A variant of the exemplary embodiment of the coffee machine 1 according to the invention is also shown in Figure 3.
[0075] In this variant, a third cleaner input unit 18 is arranged in a supply line 19 between the water inlet 5 and the second beverage system 4 (milk system) and is connected to the water inlet 15 or the water sensor 14 via a connection 18a.
[0076] This third cleaner input unit 18 can be provided instead of or in addition to the second cleaner input unit 20.
[0077] In a further variant (not shown), the coffee machine 1 according to the invention has a cleaning device 2 with only one, i.e., a common, cleaner input unit 15. In other words, the cleaner input unit 15 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 15. This one cleaner cleans both systems, i.e., the first beverage system 3 (coffee system) and the second beverage system 4 (milk system).
[0078] For this purpose, the supply line 16 shown in Figure 3 is also connected to the second beverage system 4 (milk system), e.g., via a branch. This branch can have one or more valves to clean both beverage systems 3 and 4 either simultaneously or individually.
[0079] The detergent input unit 15 can be used for both beverage systems 3, 4 (basic cleaning), and the detergent input unit 20 with acidic detergent and / or descaler for the second beverage system 4 (milk system). It is also possible for both detergents (basic and acidic) to be used for both beverage systems 3, 4, or for just one detergent input unit 15, 18, 20 to be used for both beverage systems 3, 4.
[0080] Figure 5 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention for operating the cleaning device 2 of the coffee machine 1.
[0081] In a first method step VS1, a cleaner, e.g., in solid, liquid, or / and powdered form, is introduced into the first cleaner input unit 15 and the second cleaner input unit 20 or 18. The beverage unit 10 of the second beverage system 4 is then prepared for a cleaning process in a second method step VS2 by removing the at least one inlet line 13 with its second, free line end 13b from the container 12 and connecting it to at least one second connection 11b of the connection unit 11.
[0082] The second line end 13b connected to at least one second connection 11b or the connected second line ends 13b is / are detected by a respective sensor on the connection unit 11 and signaled to a controller.
[0083] When the existing second line ends 13b of the input lines 13 are connected to the respective terminals 11b of the connection unit 11, the cleaning process is started.
[0084] The cleaning concentrate is mixed or treated with water. It can also be stored in a reservoir (not shown). The water is monitored for pressure, quantity, and quality using a suitable sensor.
[0085] In a third process step VS3, both the first beverage system 3 and the second beverage system 4 are cleaned. During cleaning, the presence of the cleaning agent in the beverage systems 3 and 4 is detected and monitored.
[0086] When the cleaning process is finished or there is no more cleaner in the lines and beverage systems 3, 4, this is signaled in a suitable manner, e.g. acoustically and / or visually.
[0087] After the cleaning process, the at least one input line 13 with its second, free line end 13a is removed again from the at least one second connection 11b of the connection unit 11 and arranged in a new container 12.
[0088] The cleaning device 2 can be activated by an operator as needed or upon request from an operating system of the coffee machine 1 (e.g., via a display). It is also possible for the cleaning processes of the cleaning device 2 to run automatically at specific time intervals.
[0089] The invention is not limited by the embodiment given above, but can be modified within the scope of the claims.
[0090] Reference symbol
[0091] 1 coffee machine
[0092] 2 cleaning device
[0093] 3 beverage system
[0094] 3a Coffee line
[0095] 4 Beverage system
[0096] 4a Additive line
[0097] 4b Sensor
[0098] 5 Water inlet
[0099] 6 Beverage outlet
[0100] 7 Additive outlet
[0101] 8 Procedure
[0102] 9, 9' supply line
[0103] 10 beverage units
[0104] 11 Connection unit
[0105] 11 b, 11b connection
[0106] 12 containers
[0107] 13 Input line
[0108] 13a, 13b line end
[0109] 14 Water sensor
[0110] 15 Cleaner input unit
[0111] 16 supply line
[0112] 17 Cleaner input unit
[0113] 17a Cleaning vessel
[0114] 18 Cleaner input unit
[0115] 18a connection
[0116] 19 Supply line
[0117] 20 Cleaner input unit
[0118] 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), wherein the at least one second beverage system (4) has at least one inlet line (13) for an additive, in particular milk, wherein the at least one inlet line (13) for the additive is connected to at least one connection unit (11) which is connected to the at least one beverage system (4), characterized in that the at least one connection unit (11) has at least one first connection (11a), to which the at least one inlet line (13) for the additive is permanently connected with a first line end (13a), and at least one second connection (11b), wherein the at least one second connection (11b) has a detachable connection with a second,free line end (13b) which forms at least one inlet line (13) for the additive., 2. Drinks machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the second, free line end (13b) of the at least one inlet line (13) for the additive is arranged in a container (12) of the additive during a first operating state of the coffee machine (1), in which the coffee machine (1) prepares a beverage.
3. Drinks machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second, free line end (13b) of the at least one inlet line (13) for the additive is detachably connected to the at least one second connection (11b) of the at least one connection unit (11) during a second operating state of the coffee machine (1), in which the coffee machine (1) is cleaned.
4. Drinks machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one second connection (11 b) of the at least one connection unit (11 ) is designed as a hose nozzle and / or a quick coupling.
5. Drinks machine according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one second connection (11 b) of the at least a connection unit (11) having a sensor which detects a connection of the at least one second connection (11 b) to the second, free line end (13 b) of the at least one input line (13) for the additive.
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.
7. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (2) has a common cleaning agent input unit for a cleaning agent for both beverage systems (3, 4).
8. Method for cleaning a beverage vending 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), wherein the at least one second beverage system (4) has at least one inlet line (13) for an additive, in particular milk, 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 (15, 18, 20) of the cleaning device (2); (VS2) Preparing a beverage unit (10) of the at least one second beverage system (4) by removing at least one inlet line (13) for the additive with its second, free line end (13b) from a container (12) and connecting it to a second connection (11b) of a connection unit (11), detecting the thus connected second, free line end (13b) of the at least one inlet line (13) by means of a sensor; and (VS3) Cleaning both the first beverage system (3) and the second beverage system (4) after the connected second, free line end (13b) of the at least one input line (13) has been detected.
9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that in the method step (VS1) input the input cleaner or the input cleaning agent is mixed with water and processed.
10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that after the cleaning process at the end of the method step (VS1) cleaning, the at least one input line (13) with its second, free line end (13b) is removed again from the second connection (11b) of the connection unit (11) and arranged in a new container (12).
11. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that during the cleaning in the third method step (VS3) cleaning, the presence of the cleaner or cleaning agent in the lines and beverage systems (3, 4) is detected and monitored by means of at least one sensor, wherein an acoustic and / or optical signal is given when the cleaning process is finished or when no cleaner or cleaning agent is left in the lines and beverage systems (3, 4).