Setting module for the illumination of an optical instrument

A setting module for alignment of an optical instrument having a light source and an illuminating optical system, comprising:

• a module housing configured to be attached to and removed from the optical instrument so that the module housing can be removed prior to use of the optical instrument;
• a drive mechanism enclosed within the module housing;
• a first coupling member configured to engage a first positioning element of the optical instrument when the module housing is attached to the optical instrument;
• a second coupling member configured to engage a second positioning element of the optical instrument when the module housing is attached to the optical instrument, and
• an interlock device for releasable fastening of the module housing to the optical instrument, wherein the interlock device is separate from the first and second coupling members;
• wherein the first coupling member is configured to transfer drive motion from the drive mechanism to the first positioning element to modify a position of the light source, and
• wherein the second coupling member is configured to transfer drive motion from the drive mechanism to modify a position of the illuminating optical system.

An illumination system for an optical instrument, comprising:

• a first subassembly, configured as an illumination apparatus, having a light source, an illuminating optical system, and at least one adjustment device, equipped with positioning elements, for modifying a position of the light source and a position of the illuminating optical system in at least one coordinate direction in each case, surrounded by a lamp housing, wherein the illuminating optical system is selected from the group consisting of a lens system, a mirror system, a combined lens/mirror system, and a fiber optic system;
• and
• a second subassembly, configured as a setting module, having at least one drive device, coupling members for the transfer of drive motions to the positioning elements, enclosed by a module housing, and an interlock device for releasable fastening of the module housing to the lamp housing, wherein the interlock device is separate from the coupling members;
• the module housing being attachable to and removable from the lamp housing so that the module housing can be removed prior to use of the illumination apparatus;
• and, when the module housing is attached, each coupling member being in engagement with a respective positioning element for the purpose of transferring the drive motions.