Fuel filter element and filter assembly

An exchangeable fuel filter element configured for exchangeable installation into a filter housing pot having a valve seat, the fuel filter element comprising:

• a support tube which is axially elongated and surrounding a longitudinal axis (M);
• a screen fabric arranged on the support tube as a filter medium;
• a valve body guide comprising:
• a spherical valve body;
• a disk-shaped connecting section arranged on and covering a first axial end of the support tube;
• a tubular valve body guide arranged on and projecting axially outward from an axial outer side of the disk-shaped connecting section;
• wherein the tubular valve body guide having a fluid channel extending axially through the tubular valve body guide and opening into an interior of the filter element;
• a plurality of guide sections formed as projections, projecting axially outward away from an axially outer end of the tubular valve body guide, the plurality of guide sections spaced circumferentially apart about a circumference of the fluid channel;
• one or more support ribs formed on an interior wall of the tubular valve body guide and protruding radially into the fluid channel, the one or more support ribs extending in an interior of the fluid channel along a longitudinal direction (M) of the fluid channel;
• wherein the one or more radially projecting support ribs extend onto at least a portion of a radially inner surface of the plurality of guide sections;
• a spherical valve body movable in the valve body guide at an interior of the plurality of guide sections at the fluid channel, movable between a closed state and an open state;
• wherein the spherical valve body, when in the open state, is attached to the one or more radially projecting support ribs in the valve body guide,
• wherein in the closed state, the spherical valve body closes against the valve seat of the filter housing pot.