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), the support tube having a disk-shaped connecting section formed on and covering a first axial end of the support tube;
• wherein the disk-shaped connecting section of the support tube comprises:
• a tubular valve body guide projecting axially outward from an axial outer side of the disk-shaped connecting section of the support tube;
• wherein the tubular valve body guide has a fluid channel extending axially through the tubular valve body guide and opening into an interior of the filter element;
• wherein the tubular valve body guide has a plurality of guide sections formed as projections, projecting axially outward away from an axially outer end if 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;
• wherein the tubular valve body guide is configured and adapted to receive and guide movement of a spherical valve body in an interior of the plurality of guide sections at the fluid channel, such that the spherical valve body is movable between a closed state and an open state,
• wherein the spherical valve body, when in the open state, is configured and adapted to contact the one or more radially projecting support ribs in the valve body guide,
• wherein in the closed state, the spherical valve body is configured and adapted to close against the valve seat of the filter housing pot.