A coupling device for connecting a filter element to a filter conduit has male and female couplings each having a passageway for fluid. The male coupling is secured to the filter conduit and has at least two radially projecting lugs. The female coupling is secured to the filter element and has at least two latching tabs for engaging the lugs. A spring is operatively mounted on the male coupling and interferes with the radially projecting lugs. The spring is disposed so as to engage at least one latching tab when the male and female couplings are moved toward each other. The spring urges the latching tabs to rotate in a first angular direction thereby causing the tab to latch to a lug of the male coupling.