Patent ID: 7122120

Claim:
A generally cylindrical filter element (F) for fluids, with an inner, essentially hollow generally cylindrical supporting core ( 10 ) and at least one filter layer ( 12 – 14 ) arranged on it, the inner supporting core ( 10 ) being formed in one piece with a first end plate ( 20 ) at the first end of the filter element and a second end plate ( 30 ) at the second end of the filter element, the first end plate ( 20 ) having a connecting piece ( 22 ) which is formed in one piece with it and is fluid-connected to the supporting core ( 10 ), and the second end plate ( 30 ) having a receptacle ( 32 ) formed in it, which is fluid-connected to the supporting core ( 10 ) and is adapted to the shape of the connecting piece ( 22 ) in such a way that a connecting piece ( 22 ) of a second structurally identical filter element (f) can be at least partially inserted into the receptacle ( 32 ) of filter element (F) in order to permit a fluid connection between the supporting cores ( 10 ) of the filter elements (F and I) said filter element (F) further comprising a latching device ( 24 , 25 ) which adapted to be releasably latch two filter elements (F and I) that are is adapted to be connected to one another by means of the connecting piece ( 22 ) and the receptacle ( 32 ) and wherein said latching device ( 24 , 25 ) comprises at least one bayonet key ( 25 ) associated with the second end of the filter element (F) and at least one bayonet lock ( 24 ) associated with the first end of the filter element (F) such that said bayonet lock of the second end of the filter element (F) is adapted to latch with the bayonet key of said structurally identical filter element (f); and further comprising at least one supporting projection ( 27 ) extending axially from said second end plate ( 30 ) of filter element (F), and said projection ( 27 ) is adapted to support said structurally identical filter element (f) in a modular manner when the bayonet key of said structurally identical filter element (f) is latched to said bayonet lock of the second end of the filter element (F).