An automated Clean-In-Place unit (4;41) is configured for cleaning at least one beverage dispensing line (DL) between a take-off station and a dispensing station of a beverage dispensing system. The automated Clean-In-Place unit (4;41) comprises a keg coupler, a cleaning coupler and/or a coupling unit (3) consisting of said couplers mounted to or mountable to any of a keg (1) containing the beverage (15), to a compressible beverage container, or to both the keg (1) and the compressible beverage container, said keg coupler, cleaning coupler and/or coupling unit (3) consisting of said couplers has at least one coupler inlet (24a; 24b) and at least one coupler outlet (28). The automated Clean-In-Place unit (4;41) comprises a control valve (20) comprising an outlet port (23) arranged to provide fluid communication with the at least one coupler inlet (24a; 24b), a first inlet port (19) arranged to provide fluid communication with a source of ozonated water (18), and optionally a second inlet port (22) arranged to provide fluid communication with a source of pressurized gas (21).

A quick release connector is configured to be connected between a discharging end of a raw material supply member and a feeding end of a beverage machine, and includes a connector body and a raw material connecting tube. The connector body has a raw material end tube portion, and a machine end tube portion for connecting with the feeding end. The raw material end tube portion includes an outer tube section, a branch tube section for connection with a cleaning system, and a pushing section disposed inside the outer tube section. The raw material connecting tube is disposed in and slidable relative to the outer tube section between a cleaning position and a material supply position, and is configured to be connected to the discharging end of the raw material supply member. A cleaning method for the beverage machine is also disclosed.