Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a multi-lobed winding for the stator of an alternator, particularly for use in the automotive field and of the type comprising turns defining a star-shaped configuration having a plurality of radial lobes alternated with hollows.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented for forming coils that are used for the winding of a stator of a dynamo-electric machine and for inserting those coils into slots of the stator. The apparatus includes a plurality of coiling stations that operate in a synchronously staggered manner and an inserting station. The coiling and inserting stations are equiangularly spaced apart from each other around a transfer station. Interposed between each coiling and inserting station and the transfer station is an exchange device that exchanges a coil-inserting tool at the coiling or inserting station with a coil-inserting tool at the transfer station.