Patent ID: 8287727

Claim:
A filter element in a fuel filter ( 1 ), comprising: an annularly arranged filter medium ( 4 ); at least one end plate ( 5 , 6 ), said at least one end plate covering an end face of the filter medium, said at least one end plate including a venting unit ( 7 ) operable for discharging gases from a raw side of the filter element ( 2 ) to a clean side of the filter element; wherein the venting unit ( 7 ) includes at least one flow passage ( 15 ) provided in said at least one end plate ( 6 ) between the raw side and the clean side of the filter element ( 2 ) and the at least one flow passage ( 15 ) is covered by a filter body ( 14 ) that is clamped by a securing ring ( 8 ), said filter body ensuring filtration of fuel that may pass through said venting unit from said raw to said clean side; wherein the securing ring ( 8 ) is adapted to be fastened onto the said at least one end plate ( 6 ); and wherein the securing ring ( 8 ) includes at least one through opening ( 10 ) in communication with the at least one flow passage ( 15 ); wherein the securing ring ( 8 ) further includes at least one expansion opening ( 9 ) extending in an arc shape about a limited angle segment of said securing ring and is arranged at a radial spacing to an outer rim of the securing ring ( 8 ); wherein said at least one expansion opening ( 9 ) has a smaller radial spacing to the outer rim of the securing ring ( 8 ) than to said at least one through opening ( 10 ).