FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR A DRYER APPLIANCE

Abstract

A dryer appliance includes a distribution system for directing treatment fluids into a dryer chamber. The treatment fluids are transported from a reservoir and directed onto a heating surface above a heating element, where the treatment fluids are evaporated. A negative pressure is generated by a blower that draws ambient air through a heater housing around the heating element and heating surface, thus mixing the ambient air with the evaporated treatment fluids. This mixture is then directed into the drying chamber, where the articles to be treated are present.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to dryer appliances, or more specifically, to systems for delivering a clothing treatment fluid from a reservoir to the drying chamber.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dryer appliances generally include a cabinet having a rotating drum with a chamber therein to permit drying of articles of clothing. Demand for the ability to treat clothing with various desirable or protective liquids is rising. In particular, demand for the ability to introduce a scent to dry clothing is growing. Additionally, there is a demand to treat dry clothing with various protective coatings, such as with liquids providing ultraviolet light protection, anti-microbial liquids, or other medicinal fluids.

Conventionally, clothing is treated, for example with stain removers and the like, prior to washing. However, this method is ineffective for treating cloths with scent, ultraviolet protection, anti-microbial protection, and other similar medicinal fluids because washing the clothes will remove the intended application. Such treatments must be applied to dry clothing after the washing cycle is complete. Currently, the application of such fluids would not involve the use of a dryer, but would instead be done manually on each item of clothing individually, resulting in a large investment of time and treatment materials.

Accordingly, a dryer appliance capable of applying a scent or other fluid to coat dry clothing is desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, an appliance is provided, including a cabinet, a rotatable drum within the cabinet, the rotatable drum defining a chamber for the receipt of articles for drying, a reservoir for receipt of a treatment fluid, a heater housing disposed within the cabinet and defining a volume, a heater at least partially disposed within the volume defined by the heater housing, a fluid distribution element for directing the treatment fluid into the volume defined by the heater housing, and a supply duct. The heater housing includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the heater housing defining an opening. The supply duct includes a first end and second end, the first end of the supply duct in fluid communication with the second end of the heater housing and the second end of the supply duct in fluid communication with the chamber.

In another exemplary embodiment, an appliance is provided, including a cabinet, a rotatable drum within the cabinet, the rotatable drum defining a chamber for the receipt of articles for drying, a reservoir for receipt of a treatment fluid, a heater housing disposed within the cabinet and defining a volume, a heater at least partially disposed within the volume defined by the heater housing, a fluid distribution element for directing the treatment fluid into the volume defined by the heater housing, a supply duct, a fluid communication path, and a valve. The heater housing includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the heater housing defining an opening. The supply duct includes a first end and second end, the first end of the supply duct in fluid communication with the second end of the heater housing and the second end of the supply duct in fluid communication with the chamber. The fluid communication path includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the fluid communication path attached to the reservoir and the second end of the fluid communication path attached to the fluid distribution element. The valve is disposed between the first end and the second end of the fluid communication path to interrupt the flow of treatment fluid, the valve biased to a closed position.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a dryer appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure having transparent sides to allow for a view of select internal components of the dryer appliance.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of an exemplary reservoir and portions of the fluid distribution path according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an exemplary fluid distribution element and its relationship to an exemplary heating assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an exemplary heating assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of an exemplary heating plate drawer in the open position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of the rear of an exemplary dryer appliance having a supply duct according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 provides a cutaway perspective view of an exemplary dryer appliance showing internal element of a drum according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 illustrates a dryer appliance 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In FIG. 1, two sides of the dryer appliance is omitted to provide an exemplary internal view of dryer appliance 10. While described in the context of a specific embodiment of a dryer appliance, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that dryer appliance 10 is provided by way of example only. Other dryer appliances having different configurations and components may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well.

Dryer appliance 10 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. The vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system. Cabinet 12 includes a front panel 14 and a rear panel 16 spaced apart along the transverse direction T, a side panels (not shown) spaced apart along the lateral direction L, and a bottom panel 22 and a top surface 24 spaced apart along the vertical direction V. Within cabinet 12 is a container or drum 26 which defines a chamber 28. Chamber 28 defines a front opening 29 for receipt of articles, e.g., clothing, linen, etc., for drying. Drum 26 extends between a front portion and a back portion, e.g., along the transverse direction T. In example embodiments, drum 26 is rotatable, e.g., about an axis that is parallel to the transverse direction T, within cabinet 12. Rotation of drum 26 is driven by a motor (not shown). A door 30 is rotatably mounted to cabinet 12 for providing selective access to drum 26. Door 30 rotates between an open position and a closed position. When in the closed position, door 30 covers front opening 29.

As best shown in FIG. 1, an air handler 32, such as a blower or fan, may be provided to motivate an airflow through an entrance air passage and an air exhaust passage 34. Specifically, air handler 32 may include a motor which may be in mechanical communication with a blower fan, such that the motor rotates the blower fan (not shown). Air handler 32 is configured for drawing air through chamber 28 of drum 26, e.g., in order to dry articles located therein, as discussed in greater detail below. In alternative example embodiments, dryer appliance 10 may include an additional motor (not shown) for rotating the fan of air handler 32 independently of drum 26.

Drum 26 may be configured to receive heated air that has been heated by a heating assembly in order to dry damp articles disposed within chamber 28 of drum 26. Heating assembly 50, as further described below, includes a heater housing 54 that is in fluid and thermal communication with chamber 28. A heater 52 may be at least partially disposed within heater housing 54 (see FIG. 4). Heater 52 may include, for example, one or more electrical resistance heating elements or gas burners, for heating air being flowed to chamber 28. More specifically, heater housing 54 defines a volume within which heater 52 is at least partially disposed. Heater housing 54 may consist of a single, integrated element or may comprise two or more elements attached to one another to define the volume in which heater 52 is disposed. Further, heater housing 54 may include a first end 51 and a second end 53. First end 51 of heater housing 54 defines an opening 55 (FIG. 3). As discussed above, during operation of dryer appliance 10, a motor rotates a fan of air handler 32 such that air handler 32 draws air through chamber 28 of drum 26. In particular, ambient air enters an air entrance passage defined by heating assembly 50 via opening 55 due to air handler 32 urging such ambient air into opening 55. Such ambient air is heated within heating assembly 50 and exits heating assembly 50 as heated air. Air handler 32 draws such heated air from heating assembly 50, through supply duct 56 (FIG. 6), and delivers it to chamber 28 of drum 26. The heated air enters drum 26 through an outlet 58 of supply duct 56 positioned at a rear wall of drum 26 (FIG. 7).

Within chamber 28, the heated air can remove moisture, e.g., from damp articles disposed within chamber 28. This internal air flows in turn from chamber 28 through an outlet assembly positioned within cabinet 12. The outlet assembly generally defines an air exhaust passage 34 and includes a trap duct (not shown), air handler 32, and an exhaust conduit 62. Exhaust conduit 62 is in fluid communication with the trap duct via air handler 32. During a dry cycle, internal air flows from chamber 28 through the trap duct to air handler 32, e.g., as an outlet flow portion of airflow. As shown, air further flows through air handler 32 and to exhaust conduit 62.

The internal air is exhausted from dryer appliance 10 via exhaust conduit 62. In some embodiments, an external duct (not shown) is provided in fluid communication with exhaust conduit 62. For instance, the external duct may be attached (e.g., directly or indirectly attached) to cabinet 12 at rear panel 16. Any suitable connector (e.g., collar, clamp, etc.) may join the external duct to exhaust conduit 62. In residential environments, the external duct may be in fluid communication with an outdoor environment (e.g., outside of a home or building in which dryer appliance 10 is installed). During a dry cycle, internal air may thus flow from exhaust conduit 62 and through the external duct before being exhausted to the outdoor environment.

In exemplary embodiments, trap duct may include a filter portion which includes a screen filter or other suitable device for removing lint and other particulates as internal air is drawn out of chamber 28. The internal air is drawn through the filter portion by air handler 32 before being passed through exhaust conduit 62. After the articles have been dried (or a drying cycle is otherwise completed), the articles are removed from drum 26, e.g., by accessing chamber 28 by opening door 30. The filter portion may further be removable such that a user may collect and dispose of collected lint between drying cycles.

One or more selector inputs 80, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc., may be provided on a front control panel 82 and may be in communication with a processing device or controller 84. Signals generated in controller 84 operate the motor, heating assembly 50, and other system components in response to the position of selector inputs 80. Additionally, a display 86, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on front control panel 82. Display 86 may be in communication with controller 84 and may display information in response to signals from controller 84.

As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate dryer appliance 10. The processing device may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements include electrically erasable, programmable read only memory

(EEPROM). Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions and/or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations. For certain embodiments, the instructions include a software package configured to operate appliance 10 and execute certain cycles or operating modes.

In addition, dryer appliance 10 may generally include an external communication system which is configured for enabling the user to interact with dryer appliance 10 using a remote device. Specifically, according to an exemplary embodiment, the external communication system is configured for enabling communication between a user, an appliance, and a remote server. According to exemplary embodiments, dryer appliance 10 may communicate with a remote device either directly (e.g., through a local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) or indirectly (e.g., via a network), as well as with a remote server, e.g., to receive notifications, provide confirmations, input operational data, transmit sound signals and sound signatures, etc.

In general, a remote device may be any suitable device for providing and/or receiving communications or commands from a user. In this regard, the remote device may include, for example, a personal phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or another mobile device. In addition, or alternatively, communication between the appliance and the user may be achieved directly through an appliance control panel. In general, the network can be any type of communication network. For example, the network can include one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, a personal area network, a local area network, a wide area network, the internet, a cellular network, etc. In general, communication with network may use any of a variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g. HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

An external communication system is described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of an external communication system provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more appliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

In some embodiments, dryer appliance 10 also includes one or more sensors that may be used to facilitate improved operation of dryer appliance. For example, dryer appliance 10 may include one or more temperature sensors which are generally operable to measure internal temperatures in dryer appliance 10 and/or one or more airflow sensors which are generally operable to detect the velocity of air (e.g., as an air flow rate in meters per second, or as a volumetric velocity in cubic meters per second) as it flows through the appliance 10. In some embodiments, controller 84 is configured to vary operation profiles of heating assembly 50 based on one or more temperatures detected by the temperature sensors or air flow measurements from the airflow sensors.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2, dryer appliance 10 may further include a reservoir 120 for receipt of treatment fluids for treating articles within chamber 28. Reservoir 120 includes a bottom wall and one or more side walls that together form a volume for retaining the treatment fluids. Reservoir 120 may be mounted just below top surface 24 of dryer appliance 10. In alternative embodiments, reservoir 120 may constitute or be a part of a sliding drawer that extends such that reservoir 120 is at least partially outside of cabinet 12. In one embodiment, reservoir 120 may further include a top cover having an opening. Alternatively, or additionally, reservoir 120 may be integral to top surface 24 such that top surface 24 constitutes the top cover of reservoir 120. In this embodiment, an opening in top surface 24 permits access to reservoir 120 to allow the addition of treatment fluids. In still other embodiments, reservoir 120 may be below and separated from top surface 24 and may lack a top cover entirely.

Once again referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2, reservoir 120 further includes a reservoir lid 125. Reservoir lid 125 may reside on or in top surface 24 and may further cover an opening in top surface 24. Further reservoir lid 125 may connected to reservoir 120. However, such a connection is not necessary to fall within the scope of the invention. In some embodiments, reservoir lid 125 may be completely, physically separate from reservoir 120 or may not be included at all, for example, in embodiments where reservoir 120 is a sliding drawer. In the preferred embodiment, reservoir lid 125 may be movable such that it can be positioned so as to uncover the opening in top surface 24, thereby providing selective access to reservoir 120. In the preferred embodiment, reservoir lid 125 screws into place. In other embodiments, reservoir lid 125 may be movable by snapping into place, pivoting, rotating, sliding, or otherwise. Similarly, in some embodiments, reservoir lid 125 may reside, for example, on a side or front surface of dryer appliance 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, dryer appliance 10 may further include a fluid distribution element 140 for directing treatment fluid into the volume defined by heater housing 54. As shown in FIG. 3, fluid distribution element 140 may be a nozzle, which will aid in directing of the treatment fluid. However, any fluid distribution element capable of distributing treatment fluids may be used consistent with the present disclosure. In fact, in some embodiments, fluid distribution element 140 may simply be the opening at the end of a hose or pipe, such as used to establish a fluid communication path between reservoir 120 and heating assembly 50, as further described below. Fluid distribution element 140, as shown in FIG. 3, may direct treatment fluids into opening 55 on first end 51 of heater housing 54. In particular, fluid distribution element 140 should be oriented to distribute treatment fluids above or on heater 52 so that the treatment fluids may be heated and evaporate and mix with the ambient air drawn through heating assembly 50. In alternative embodiments, fluid distribution element 140 may interact with heating assembly 50 through a port 142 on an upper surface of heater housing 54. Port 142 may be situated above heater 50 and above at least a portion of heating plate 180 (FIG. 5, described further below), where used. In this embodiment, fluid distribution element 140 may be situated such that at least a portion of fluid distribution element 140 extends through port 142. Alternatively, fluid distribution element 140 may be situated above port 142 and may direct treatment fluids through port 142. In still other embodiments, fluid distribution path 130 may extend through port 142 and fluid distribution element 140 may be situation below port 142.

As previously discussed, dryer appliance 10 further includes a fluid distribution path 130 for directing the treatment fluid from reservoir 120 to fluid distribution element 140. Fluid distribution path 130 may take the form of a hose, conduit, pipe, or other similar fluid communication means. Fluid distribution path 130 may have a first end 132 and a second end 134. First end 132 of fluid distribution path 130 may be connected to reservoir 120 to permit treatment fluids to flow from reservoir 120 into fluid distribution element 130. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, dryer appliance 10 relies on gravity to motivate the treatment fluid from reservoir 120 into fluid distribution path 130. In this embodiment, fluid distribution path 130 may be mounted to a bottom surface of reservoir 120 or through a lower portion of the one or more side walls (i.e., below the surface level of the treatment fluids). However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative arrangements exist. For example, a pump may be used to draw treatment fluids from reservoir 120, in which case fluid distribution path 130 may be attached through any surface of reservoir 120. Second end 134 of fluid distribution path 130 may be attached to fluid distribution element 140, as shown in FIG. 3.

Referring again to FIG. 2, dryer appliance 10 may further include a valve 150 (e.g., a solenoid valve) disposed between first end 132 and second end 134 of fluid distribution path 130. Valve 150 may be biased in the closed position to interrupt the flow of treatment fluid through fluid distribution path 130 to fluid distribution element 140. Controller 84 may be electrically connection to valve 150 to control its opening and closing. In particular, controller 84 may be configured to open valve 150 during at least a portion of the drying cycle. In the preferred embodiment, controller 84 opens valve 150 for a brief period of time to allow a single dose of treatment fluid to bypass valve 150 and be dispensed through fluid distribution element 140. Distribution of treatment fluid into chamber 28, as described herein, should occur while drum 26 continues to rotate and near the end of the drying cycle, once the articles in chamber 28 have been substantially dried, although such timings are not necessary to practice the invention.

As previously explained, fluid distribution element 140 may deposit treatment fluid directly onto heater 52. However, it is to be expected that, over time and depending on the nature of the treatment fluid, residue may accumulate on heater 52 and maintenance and cleaning would be difficult in light of the inaccessibility of heater 52 within dryer appliance 10. Therefore, in certain embodiment, it may be desirable to add an intermediate layer between the treatment fluid and heater 52. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5, dryer appliance 10 may further include a heating plate 180 disposed above at least a portion of heater 52. Heating plate 180 may be positioned such that fluid distribution element 140 directs treatment fluid onto heating plate 180. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to allow users to remove heating plate 180 for cleaning of any residue. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, heating plate 180 may take the form of a drawer 190. Drawer 190 may slide between an open position and a closed position. When in the closed position, at least a portion of drawer 190 is disposed above at least a portion of heater 52 so that treatment fluid deposited on drawer 190 may be heated to the point of evaporation. Additionally, a portion of drawer 190 may extend through an opening in an outer surface of cabinet 12 to enable users to access and pull the drawer into an open position. When in the open position, a portion of drawer 190 may extend outside cabinet 12 to allow access to the inside of drawer 190 for cleaning, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In certain embodiments, drawer 190 may be fully removable from cabinet 12.

Once treatment fluid is deposited with heating assembly 50, heater 52 evaporates the treatment fluid. The gaseous treatment fluid then mixes with the ambient air drawn through heating assembly 50 as previously described. The mixture passes through an opening 200 in cabinet 12 (FIG. 1), where it enters supply duct 56, shown in FIG. 6. Supply duct 56 has a first end 57 and a second end 59. First end 57 of supply duct 56 is connected to opening 200 such that supply duct 56 is in fluid communication with the second end 53 of heater housing 54. The second end 59 of supply duct 56 is further connected to outlet 58 on a rear wall of drum 26 (FIG. 7) such that supply duct 56 is in fluid communication with chamber 28. Accordingly, supply duct 56 provides a passage between heating assembly 50 and chamber 28 for the delivery of the mixture. As the mixture passes through chamber 28 of drum 26, articles within chamber 28 are treated with the gaseous treatment fluid.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A dryer appliance comprising:

a cabinet;

a rotatable drum within the cabinet, the rotatable drum defining a chamber for the receipt of articles for drying;

a reservoir for receipt of a treatment fluid;

a heater housing disposed within the cabinet and defining a volume, the heater housing having a first end and a second end, the first end of the heater housing defining an opening;

a heater at least partially disposed within the volume defined by the heater housing;

a fluid distribution element for directing the treatment fluid into the volume defined by the heater housing; and

a supply duct having a first end and a second end, the first end of the supply duct in fluid communication with the second end of the heater housing and the second end of the supply duct in fluid communication with the chamber.

2. The dryer appliance of claim 1, the dryer appliance further comprising a fluid communication path having a first end and a second end, the first end of the fluid communication path attached to the reservoir and the second end of the fluid communication path attached to the fluid distribution element.

3. The dryer appliance of claim 2, the dryer appliance further comprising a valve disposed between the first end and the second end of the fluid communication path to interrupt the flow of treatment fluid.

4. The dryer appliance of claim 3, where the valve is biased to a closed position.

5. The dryer appliance of claim 4, the dryer appliance further comprising a controller, the controller configured to open the valve during at least a portion of a drying cycle.

6. The dryer appliance of claim 5, wherein the fluid distribution element is a nozzle.

7. The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein the fluid distribution element directs the treatment fluid through the opening defined by the first end of the heater housing.

8. The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein the heater housing further includes a port above at least a portion of the heater and the fluid distribution element is disposed through the port.

9. The dryer appliance of claim 1, the dryer appliance further comprising a heating plate disposed above at least a portion of the heater and wherein the fluid distribution element further directs the treatment fluid onto the heating plate.

10. The dryer appliance of claim 9, wherein the heating plate is a drawer that slides between an open position and a closed position, wherein the drawer is disposed above at least a portion of the heater when in the closed position and at least a portion of the drawer extends outside the cabinet when in the open position to allow access to the drawer for cleaning.

11. The dryer appliance of claim 10, wherein the drawer is removable from the cabinet.

12. The dryer appliance of claim 1, the dryer appliance further comprising a movable reservoir lid on a top surface of the dryer appliance for providing selective access to the reservoir.

13. A dryer appliance comprising:

a cabinet;

a rotatable drum within the cabinet, the rotatable drum defining a chamber for the receipt of articles for drying;

a reservoir for receipt of a treatment fluid;

a heater housing disposed within the cabinet and defining a volume, the heater housing having a first end and a second end, the first end of the heater housing defining an opening;

a heater at least partially disposed within the volume defined by the heater housing;

a fluid distribution element for directing the treatment fluid into the volume defined by the heater housing;

a supply duct having a first end and a second end, the first end of the supply duct in fluid communication with the second end of the heater housing and the second end of the supply duct in fluid communication with the chamber;

a fluid communication path having a first end and a second end, the first end of the fluid communication path attached to the reservoir and the second end of the fluid communication path attached to the fluid distribution element;

a valve disposed between the first end and the second end of the fluid communication path to interrupt the flow of treatment fluid, the valve biased to a closed position.

14. The dryer appliance of claim 13, wherein the fluid distribution element is a nozzle.

15. The dryer appliance of claim 13, wherein the fluid distribution element directs the treatment fluid through the opening defined by the first end of the heater housing.

16. The dryer appliance of claim 13, wherein the heater housing further includes a port above at least a portion of the heater and the fluid distribution element is disposed through the port.

17. The dryer appliance of claim 13, the dryer appliance further comprising a heating plate disposed above at least a portion of the heater and wherein the fluid distribution element further directs the treatment fluid onto the heating plate.

18. The dryer appliance of claim 17, wherein the heating plate is a drawer that slides between an open position and a closed position, wherein the drawer is disposed above at least a portion of the heater when in the closed position and at least a portion of the drawer extends outside the cabinet when in the open position to allow access to the drawer for cleaning.

19. The dryer appliance of claim 18, wherein the drawer is removable from the cabinet.

20. The dryer appliance of claim 13, the dryer appliance further comprising a movable reservoir lid on a top surface of the dryer appliance for providing selective access to the reservoir.