Fully automatic twistlock to be connected to a container and a method for releasing a first container from a second

A coupling device for connecting corner fittings of adjacent containers, said coupling device comprising:

• a housing for fitting tightly within the corner fitting of one container,
• an engaging part which is at least partially insertable into and releasable from the corner fitting of an adjacent container, said engaging part having a central axis, a guide part and a cam, and
• a shaft portion extending from the engaging part and into said housing such that the shaft and housing are rotatably engaged,
• wherein said cam is a translational guide body adjacent to, and eccentrically positioned with respect to an axis of, said shaft portion for facilitating translational movement of the engaging part in relation to said corner fittings,
• said guide part includes a rotational guide element for facilitating a driving rotational movement of the engaging part in relation to the corner fitting;
• the eccentrically positioned cam and guide part cooperatively transform a substantially vertical movement of the coupling member to a driving rotation of the engaging part and subsequent translational movement of the housing to move the housing in a horizontal direction for release of said engaging part from the adjacent corner fitting.